Should I enroll in The People’s Law School?

Fayette residents who still read newspapers -–there should be a few left-- must have seen ads and announcements for a 5-week course, on Wednesday nights, on the law. These courses are to be held at the LaFayette Educational Center (next to Fayette County High School) from February 7 to March 7, between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

You perhaps have asked yourself, Should I enroll in this program?

The short answer is that it would be an excellent idea.

There is a cost of $20, designed to cover the expense of providing written materials. That is extremely reasonable and fair. The sponsors intend to cover 14 different subjects, and that’s an average of $1.43 per topic. And I am counting wills, estates and trusts as just one topic here.

The sponsors also promise to answer questions. I am sure they do not mean to entertain personal questions which call for a careful evaluation of facts unique to one person’s situation, but just the same that is a very valuable feature of the course.

The topics are broad ranging too. They cover items like real estate, family law, commercial law and even immigration. They do not name consumer rights and taxation, but they do mention criminal law, which may include traffic offenses, DUI and the like.

If you’ve always been curious about any of these various aspects of the law, this is really your opportunity.

This is, in fact, a perfect course for people who don’t know any lawyers. The people who engage in lawyer bashing obviously don’t have a spouse, child, close relative or friend who is a lawyer. If they did, they would not be so prone to criticize lawyers.

Well, here’s a chance not only to learn a little bit about the law but also to get to know some lawyers who happen to live and practice in our community.

Unfortunately, this People’s Law School program is sponsored by a private law firm and not by the Fayette Bar Association. It would have been better if the bar association had sponsored it and given all the lawyers in the community an opportunity to participate.

Just the same, the sponsors promised the course would be taught by unnamed local attorneys, judges and elected officials. Quite often judges and elected officials are invited for the prestige they lend to the affair and, in the case of elected officials, because they like opportunities to meet with the voters. But that won’t hurt anything for those who take the course.

Why is knowing some lawyers important? Because legal problems can arise totally unexpectedly, like a car accident where you’re injured, or a DUI arrest, or a close relative who drops dead without warning. Which would you then prefer to do: frantically comb through the Yellow Pages for a lawyer who seems competent and honest, or rely upon lawyers you have made friends with to help you find the lawyer best positioned to handle your situation?

I have not been invited to participate in this program and have personally nothing to gain from what I am telling you. The whole thing is up to you. Whatever you do, don’t bash lawyers for not offering to help out the public. The course sponsors may be looking for a little business for themselves, eventually, but they’re mostly helping you out. Big time.

Take them up on their offer and help yourself. If you don’t know how to register, call 770 460-3990, Ext. 470.

People's Law School

Submitted by Jason Thompson on Fri, 01/26/2007 - 10:53am.

Long time reader, first time poster. I have never posted before but did want to chime in on The People's Law School in Fayette County. Yes, I am an attorney at Webb, Lindsey, & Wade. Yes, I did organize last year's People's Law School and the course this year. As a lifelong resident of Fayette County, I understand the value of giving back to the community. This is a small way in which the members of our law firm can do so. Last year, we taught a 7-week course to over 80 students. Most of the guest speakers were attorneys from other law firms and judges from our judicial circuit. We provide the "students" a chance to learn about "their judicial system". According to last year's class, one of their highlights was a tour of the new Justice Center. After one of the classes in the new courtrooms, the class was given a "behind the scenes" tour by one of our Superior Court judges.

This year we have space for 120 students. The charge is minimum and only covers the cost of copying the material. The course is being taught in conjunction with the Fayette County Board of Education Community School (so please do not think this is a seminar where you are being sold something). There is some space available.

I do not know the identity of "helpful lawyer". However, I do want to thank him for bringing this course to at least the attention of a few more potential attendees. We hope that this will be another successful project for the community to enjoy. As you can tell, I have posted my name in case any potential attendee has any questions about the course. You can reach me via phone (770-631-1811) or by e-mail (jthompson@webb-firm.com).

Thank you.

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Con job on the cheap

Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Thu, 01/25/2007 - 9:45am.

Most of the invites I get in the mail at least offer me a free meal just to listen to con experts for a couple of hours. For this one I have to pay $20.
Between the TV ambulance chasers and these type of cons, we are being invaded by hordes of lawyers. All it does to me is irritate me and take my time to read or listen to them. To the dim, they are going to get took!

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Minimum IQ required

Submitted by helpful lawyer on Thu, 01/25/2007 - 10:34am.

There is a minimum IQ requirement for taking that type of course, but it is self-enforcing. (You can put them in the nuthouse, but you can't keep them off the internet.)

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I Think That Helpful Lawyer

Submitted by Git Real on Thu, 01/25/2007 - 2:54pm.

Probably works for the Webb / Lindsey Law Firm. I hear this is more of an attorney self promotion event to drum up business than it is a helpful seminar. Kind of like the Pyke seminars. The difference being that the lawyers want to charge you $20 before they screw you. At least Pyke fed you a good meal before he hosed you.

Well we see restaraunts, wanna be musicians, nail salons and gift shops using these blogs for free advertisements so...... why not a bunch of shameless trial lawyers?

Your turn Helpful Lawyer.

__________

You don't need to defend a Lion. You just need to let him out of his cage.

C.S. Lewis

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What ??? No Discussion On This Shameful.....

Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 01/26/2007 - 10:44pm.

Ploy to get interested people to pay $20 to get solicited by a bunch of trolling trial lawyers and the two bit elected judicial hacks that are getting ready to run for re-election? Oh... do we get to hear how the clerk of court has modernized her office and how efficient and user friendly it is for all to use?

This is the equivalent of spending $20 dollars to get my butt whipped. Or should I say git my wallet fleeced. Kind of like those Pyke seminars.

__________

You don't need to defend a Lion. You just need to let him out of his cage.

C.S. Lewis

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