When people tell a lie about something, they have to make up a bunch of lies to go with the first one. “Mythomania” is the word for it.

Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

“Can lawyers work without lying? Can you find truth in court? I don’t trust lawyers, they won’t listen to me.” I have heard these and other similar assumptions about what it takes to be a successful lawyer. I have met people who are afraid to seek lawyers help, because they believe that their truth will be denied by lies. Can lawyers work without lying?

And I have to assure people that it is not like that. Yes, of course there are some bad apples amongst lawyers too, just like any other field, but finding them are hard. Most lawyers do take their job very seriously and don’t get mixed up in shady cases. Because job is a job, whether lawyers have to defend vicious criminal or big company, or single mother, they are gonna try their best in any given situation.

But from where comes this stereotype that lawyer = liar? Let’s start by answering my question – how much lie is acceptable. I would say that lie is not acceptable at all, but not saying everything is. Where’s the difference?

Lies are false statements and any kind of legal work should be kept separate from lies, but at the same time you can’t put all cards on the table. Difference is in the fact that not saying everything is not lying. However, you have to be careful with this, because it’s so easy to run into problems by withholding information related to a case. Not turning simple information into lies is a hot hot potato to handle, but by practice it becomes easier to deal with.

Let’s end this with one statement, don’t turn doing what is best for your client into your own problems.

/M.P./