Opinions on AOPA legal services ?

wrote:

snip
So, as one tightwad pilot to anther: get the damn crowbar out, pry
open your wallet, and pay the fee for the legal services plan. If
nothing else, it's like chicken soup, it can't hurt.

Although I am already am a member of AOPA's legal service, I still enjoyed
reading your post. Thanks for taking the time to type it up and sharing a
small slice of life on the legal side of aviation in the US.

--
Peter
























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Rick's post summarizes much of my same thinking on this matter. In
many cases I will happily consult with folks free of charge; but to be
honest, there are traps that are easy to fall into when you do that,
and so attorneys have to be circumspect about the extent to which they
will provide legal advice and guidance to persons who may or may not
end up retaining the attorney.

And, for what it's worth, even though I'm a plan attorney, I'm also a
member. Just in case *I* need a good lawyer.

Blue skies,

Darrell Clay
Cleveland, Ohio
http://ifrpilot.blogspot.com

wrote:

And, for what it's worth, even though I'm a plan attorney, I'm also a
member. Just in case *I* need a good lawyer.

How's the saying go? "He who serves as his own attorney has a fool for a client."

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

wrote:

So, as one tightwad pilot to anther: get the damn crowbar out, pry
open your wallet, and pay the fee for the legal services plan.

I'm a charter member. And thanks for the email advice you've given me in the past.

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

Hey George,

Remember the Adams Family movie where the father announces that the
attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client and then goes
on to say, paraphrased: "As God is my witness, I am that fool!"?

One of the great lines of our time.

BTW, I've mentioned your signature line regarding the Internet to a lot
of people and you've gotten a lot of laughs.

All the best,
Rick

wrote:

BTW, I've mentioned your signature line regarding the Internet to a lot
of people and you've gotten a lot of laughs.

I'll have to let my brother know. I stole it from him. As an old fisherman, my
version goes "Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
fish and you get rid of him on weekends."

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

I strongly recommend the following firm for legal advice:

http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20031016_airport.htm

Many lawyers give a little time to someone with a question without
charge. Those who are a part of the AOPA legal services plan are to be
commended for providing their specialized expertise to we who enjoy
flying. I am a lawyer, too, but do not feel that I have the expertise
to be a provider in the AOPA plan, although I let it be known to our
recetionist that I would like to take the initial call rom a pilot or
aircraft owner, because I can usually at least get them headed in the
right direction or to an aviation specialist.
Many in the rec.aviation newsgroups love to bash lawyers, usually
without any facts or even any experience actually dealing with one.
Many are some of the most prolific posters. We all know who they are.
Too bad they can't say anything good about the good deeds that we in
the legal profession provide.
Have you kissed your lawyer today?

" wrote:

Too bad they can't say anything good about the good deeds that we in
the legal profession provide.

A good lawyer is one who is on your side. A bad lawyer is one who is on the
other side. ;-)



--
Peter
























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On 8 Sep 2005 12:24:09 -0700, "
wrote in .com::

Many lawyers give a little time to someone with a question without
charge.

My experience has been that the first half hour telephone consultation
is gratis. I thought it was customary.

Those who are a part of the AOPA legal services plan are to be
commended for providing their specialized expertise to we who enjoy
flying.

Specifically commended for what? Are you suggesting that no money
changes hands under the AOPA Legal Services Plan? Certainly the
(non-attorney) plan members have paid an annual fee for their 1/2 hour
consultation. I thought the attorney was also compensated (perhaps at
a reduced rate) by AOPA. Or are you implying the attorney provide his
services at a reduced rate to plan members?

I am a lawyer, too, but do not feel that I have the expertise
to be a provider in the AOPA plan, although I let it be known to our
recetionist that I would like to take the initial call [sic]rom a pilot or
aircraft owner, because I can usually at least get them headed in the
right direction or to an aviation specialist.

Exactly what are you saying above, that you are on the AOPA's list of
legal providers, but you lack the expertise to do anything but refer
those who have paid for an initial 1/2 hour consultation to another
attorney who can actually help them?

Many in the rec.aviation newsgroups love to bash lawyers, usually
without any facts or even any experience actually dealing with one.

I think lawyer jokes are a common staple of comedians also. (Are you
referring to me.)

Many are some of the most prolific posters. We all know who they are.

I don't.

Too bad they can't say anything good about the good deeds that we in
the legal profession provide.

My only experience with an AOPA attorney was the result of inquiring
about liability exposure associated with the Sky Trail project I am
involved in. The local lawyer was empathetic and eager to help, but
referred me to my insurance provider. That seemed appropriate.

Other experiences with attorneys have ranged from brilliant to
uninformed and ill prepared. It's difficult to generalize about
attornys, with the exception of the often astronomical fees they are
awarded.

That reminds me of a recent credit card bill I received that indicated
a $0.41 credit balance. When I inquired, I was told it was the result
of a class action suit. So I got 41 cents; I wonder what the law
firm's fee was in that case.

On the other hand, I have found the AOPA Legal Services Plan
non-attorney support personnel helpful in the past also.

Have you kissed your lawyer today?

Not today, but when they are instrumental in winning a case, I'm
appreciative.

Of course, anyone who fails to appreciate that they are instrumental
in their ultimately prevailing in a case by providing their harried
attorney with specific informatin, direction and support is
delusional. An attorney is often an expert tool, as is a physician,
to be employed as necessary. To abandon one's plight entirely is
seldom wise.