MrSpkr's random thoughts . . .: Lawyers love clients like this -- at least, at first. . .

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Lawyers love clients like this -- at least, at first. . .
then the client usually redirects their rage at the lawyer for not achieving the unattainable. Or for not paying the legal bill (or worse -- incurred outside charges, such as copy costs or deposition fees).

Then, those clients suck, because they tend to lash back at the lawyer for not obtaining instant results for a minimal amount of money.

Meet Paul Deignan. Mr. Deignan is a graduate student at Purdue. Recently, he got into a tiff with another blogger by posting comments on her blog. The blog owner, who goes by the pseudonym BitchPhD, banned him from further comments.

Meanwhile, another commenter on BithcPhD's site took umbrage at Mr. Deignan's posts and sent an email to Deignan's graduate advisor at Purdue. Deignan has now threatened legal action for libel. Additionally, through his blog, Deignan is slowly releasing information he has gathered that could reveal the true identity of BitchPhD.

If this reminds you of a playground spat or two siblings arguing at the dinner table, then you are probably not alone. Frankly, this is the sad side of the internet. I won't comment on the merits of any particular legal position. My sole observation is that, as a lawyer, I think clients such as these are wonderful so long as they pay a large retainer up front. Of course, the lawyer must diligently and scrupulously document everything he is doing for the case and obtain authorization for any actions (confirmed in writing to the client). Generally, clients with this kind of slavish devotion to righting a perceived infraction on their honor will spend a lot of money up front to obtain revenge, but become very jaded as the bills pile up, the passion winds down, and the realization that a succesful legal action is long, expensive, and arduous sinks in.

Those of you interested in more details of this spat can look to Creek Running North and PZ.
- posted by MrSpkr @ 10:41

Comments:

Fortunate for me, I have a very good track record paying legal fees associated with IP.

Retractions and corrections? That's obtainable. Just need a filing and a subpoena.

# posted by

Paul Deignan : Friday, November 18, 2005 9:18:00 AM

I am constantly bemused at how seriously people take a blog. I rant and rant about things that are important to me, and sometimes only me. I sampled a bit of this back and forth of comments and such, and was taken aback at how far this had gone. Of course we are free to say WHATEVER we'd like... Just remember, before one opens his/her mouth, your personal rights end where the next person's begin.

# posted by

Anonymous : Sunday, November 20, 2005 2:29:00 AM

It's apparent these people have NO lives - not that I have much more of one, but come on, how ridiculous can they be?

I'd delete my blog before I let someone or something get to me like that.

It's pretty pathetic when adults act like children.

# posted by

kateykakes : Sunday, November 20, 2005 10:21:00 AM

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