Why do lawyers say I am not your lawyer?

IANAL is a Usenet and chat abbreviation (initialism) for the expansion “I am not a lawyer”. Many jurisdictions have legal restrictions on actually giving or even appearing to give legal advice, or otherwise practicing as a lawyer without legal qualifications and official registration.

What is a disclaimer in law?

In law, a disclaimer is a statement denying responsibility intended to prevent civil liability arising for particular acts or omissions. Disclaimers are frequently made to escape the effects of the torts of negligence and of occupiers’ liability towards visitors.

How legally binding is a disclaimer?

A disclaimer will often exclude or limit liability for breach of the ‘implied’ terms that the law presumes are included in a contract when nothing is expressly agreed on the issues involved. Many disclaimers which have such an effect are in fact not allowed under other legislation and are not legally valid.

Can a lawyer refuse to help a client lie in court?

One of the few exceptions occurs when a client asks for a lawyer’s help in doing something illegal, such as lying in court or in a legal document. In these cases, the lawyer is required to inform the client of the legal effect of any planned wrongdoing and refuse to assist with it.

Who is responsible for disciplining a lawyer?

In some states, the state bar association is responsible for disciplining lawyers. The board or the bar will either investigate the complaint or refer you to someone who can help. If your complaint concerns the amount your lawyer charged, you may be referred to a state or local bar association’s fee arbitration service.

Can a lawyer tell other lawyers what a client reveals?

With few exceptions, a lawyer generally may not tell anyone else what a client reveals about a case. The reason for this strict rule is to enable a client to discuss case details openly and honestly with a lawyer, even if those details reveal embarrassing, damaging, or commercially sensitive information about the client.

Can a lawyer advise a client to do something illegal?

A lawyer should advise a client of possible actions to be taken in a case and then act according to the client’s choice of action — even if the lawyer might have picked a different route. One of the few exceptions occurs when a client asks for a lawyer’s help in doing something illegal, such as lying in court or in a legal document.