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Old 11-03-2005, 06:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Two560Two
in small claims, you can bring your lawyer or choose not too.
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?
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