Quote:
Originally Posted by Two560Two
in small claims, you can bring your lawyer or choose not too.
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Of course, but since the rules of procedure and evidence are so relaxed in small claims, bringing an attorney is typically a disadvantage. First, it telegraphs to the court that you've got enough dough to hire a lawyer so there goes any sympathy that you're just a dupe; second, the lawyer just slows down the proceedings which the court just loves; third, the lawyer is basically just loitering while the small claims judge asks the questions; and finally, the "American rule" is that parties in a civil action don't get atty fees unless there's a statute or contract that provides for it. So, tell me again what the advantage is to having a suit stand next to you in small claims?