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Auto Talk => Driving and the Law => Topic started by: MaxPower on August 13, 2007, 06:08:43 AM

Title: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MaxPower on August 13, 2007, 06:08:43 AM
Let me preface this by saying that no, I don't need legal advice!   :lol:

That said, do we have any lawyers here on CarSPIN?  :evildude: 
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 13, 2007, 06:30:34 AM
gimme a few years...
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MaxPower on August 13, 2007, 07:04:05 AM
Quote from: J86 on August 13, 2007, 06:30:34 AM
gimme a few years...

yeah, me too...i begin law school in a few weeks!  you're still an undergrad, right?
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 07:44:37 AM
I'm entering my first year of a pre-Law program. 8 years from now I should be a full-fledged lawyer.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 13, 2007, 08:55:09 AM
Quote from: MaxPower on August 13, 2007, 07:04:05 AM
yeah, me too...i begin law school in a few weeks!  you're still an undergrad, right?

I am indeed.  What type of law are you pursuing, and where are ya headed?
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 09:16:18 AM
Quote from: J86 on August 13, 2007, 08:55:09 AM
I am indeed.  What type of law are you pursuing, and where are ya headed?

Josh, what undergrad program are you in? I'm taking "Law, Crime, and Deviance" and hoping to become a criminal prosecutor ultimately.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 13, 2007, 09:25:41 AM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 09:16:18 AM
Josh, what undergrad program are you in? I'm taking "Law, Crime, and Deviance" and hoping to become a criminal prosecutor ultimately.

Public Policy major (think political science....)

I can hear the groans from all the engineers on the board already!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 09:29:12 AM
How do you like it? I am taking a poli sci course this year.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 13, 2007, 09:31:20 AM
Well, if I didn't like it I would have chosen another major...(I only declared this past spring; that's what's nice about a liberal arts college.  They let you get halfway through before making a decision!)
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: 850CSi on August 13, 2007, 11:02:08 AM
In 6 years.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: nickdrinkwater on August 13, 2007, 12:11:06 PM
Trep, you're gonna have to start being a better liar in 8 years time!

:evildude:

Sorry, but it had to be said.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: 93JC on August 13, 2007, 01:24:51 PM
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on August 13, 2007, 12:11:06 PM
Trep, you're gonna have to start being a better liar in 8 years time!

:evildude:

Sorry, but it had to be said.

(http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/images/smilies/haha.gif)
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:29:20 PM
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on August 13, 2007, 12:11:06 PM
Trep, you're gonna have to start being a better liar in 8 years time!

:evildude:

Sorry, but it had to be said.

Bitch. :evildude:

:mask:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:30:21 PM
Bah! You fools need to switch your major to English. And take an internship at a county seat or land-use firm. I've been pulling Warranty and Quit Claim deeds all afternoon and can write legal descriptions for tracts or easements with my eyes closed. There's really no reason I shouldn't shoot for a law degree, other than the fact I want to graduate school before I'm thirty...
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:33:19 PM
Quote from: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:30:21 PM
Bah! You fools need to switch your major to English. And take an internship at a county seat or land-use firm. I've been pulling Warranty and Quit Claim deeds all afternoon and can write legal descriptions for tracts or easements with my eyes closed. There's really no reason I shouldn't shoot for a law degree, other than the fact I want to graduate school before I'm thirty...

I would have done well with an English major, except I can't write an essay very well. Just ask Omicron, he's edited my essays before. :lol:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:37:38 PM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:33:19 PM
I would have done well with an English major, except I can't write an essay very well. Just ask Omicron, he's edited my essays before. :lol:

What's with the past-tense subjunctive? You haven't even started school yet.



Are you a Canadian born Canuck? My cousin is a German immigrant and he had to get help for the essays in his Master's program. His sister, who was younger when they emmigrated, didn't have the same problems.



But you may as well learn now, because you're going to have to write a shitload in law school, and the expectations aren't going to lessen.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 13, 2007, 01:47:26 PM
Quote from: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:30:21 PM
Bah! You fools need to switch your major to English. And take an internship at a county seat or land-use firm. I've been pulling Warranty and Quit Claim deeds all afternoon and can write legal descriptions for tracts or easements with my eyes closed. There's really no reason I shouldn't shoot for a law degree, other than the fact I want to graduate school before I'm thirty...

Almost did English, but I figure I'll just keep taking a few scattered classes here and there... too many English classes suck  the joy out of reading for me!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:37:38 PM
What's with the past-tense subjunctive? You haven't even started school yet.



Are you a Canadian born Canuck? My cousin is a German immigrant and he had to get help for the essays in his Master's program. His sister, who was younger when they emmigrated, didn't have the same problems.



But you may as well learn now, because you're going to have to write a shitload in law school, and the expectations aren't going to lessen.

He edited my essays in the last school year.

No I'm not a Canadian-born Canuck. I immigrated from India when I was 3, in 1992. All my schooling was done here.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:57:48 PM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:50:06 PM
He edited my essays in the last school year.

No I'm not a Canadian-born Canuck. I immigrated from India when I was 3, in 1992. All my schooling was done here.

Well you speak well on this board. If I were you, I'd focus on independent and dependent clauses, coordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. That'll take care of 90% of editing right there. The rest is typos/style/diction.

And don't forget subject-verb agreement!

Someone once told me the best way to edit a paper is to take it sentence by sentence, backwards. That way you won't get so caught up in the content that you miss the structure. When you remove yourself from what's being said, you're in a better position to know if it's said correctly.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 02:01:38 PM
Quote from: Tave on August 13, 2007, 01:57:48 PM
Well you speak well on this board. If I were you, I'd focus on independent and dependent clauses, coordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. That'll take care of 90% of editing right there. The rest is typos/style/diction.

Thanks for the compliment. My problems aren't technical when it comes to writing essays. I am able to use strong vocabulary and have very few (if any) spelling and grammatical errors. My problem is the essay structure in general. As expected at this age, I'm able to flawlessly write a 5-paragraph (Intro + 3 body + Conclusion) paragraph but end up taking rubbish when the time comes to do transition paragraphs and the like. I'll see if I can find one of my essays and I'll show you.

Check your PM box. :ohyeah:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: 93JC on August 13, 2007, 03:47:35 PM
Damn immigants needs to learns to speaks the language!  :rage:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Colonel Cadillac on August 13, 2007, 05:04:01 PM
I'm staying away from law, but both my parents are lawyers!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Catman on August 13, 2007, 06:09:14 PM
I've seen a lot of lawyers here. :mask:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: saxonyron on August 13, 2007, 08:27:18 PM
Quote from: J86 on August 13, 2007, 09:25:41 AM
Public Policy major (think political science....)

I can hear the groans from all the engineers on the board already!

:evildude:  Poli-Sci major = Party major.  Hey, at least you'll enjoy yourself more than I did in school, and then you can suffer a few years in law school.  Not a bad way to go, really.  I used to think if you weren''t in engineering or science, you were a faux-student. Believe me, that's all changed.  Friends of mine who stayed in engineering are doing "OK", but will never excel because they're in the corporate inside the box thinking.  Most of my clients with the $1 million and up houses are lawyers and finance guys.  Steenking bastages never had to do a differential equation in their lives.   :banghead:  I've told my kids to just pick any major that gets their blood pumping and do it well.  The success will follow.

Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: TBR on August 13, 2007, 10:37:35 PM
Ron, where were you in Benzboy's thread in GT? That is exactly what all of this big headed engineers/engineering students need to hear :devil:
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 14, 2007, 05:28:01 AM
Quote from: saxonyron on August 13, 2007, 08:27:18 PM
:? Most of my clients with the $1 million and up houses are lawyers and finance guys.? Steenking bastages never had to do a differential equation in their lives.? ?


Exactly!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: heelntoe on August 14, 2007, 05:35:26 AM
Quote from: saxonyron on August 13, 2007, 08:27:18 PM
:evildude:  Poli-Sci major = Party major.  Hey, at least you'll enjoy yourself more than I did in school, and then you can suffer a few years in law school.  Not a bad way to go, really.  I used to think if you weren''t in engineering or science, you were a faux-student. Believe me, that's all changed.  Friends of mine who stayed in engineering are doing "OK", but will never excel because they're in the corporate inside the box thinking.  Most of my clients with the $1 million and up houses are lawyers and finance guys.  Steenking bastages never had to do a differential equation in their lives.   :banghead:  I've told my kids to just pick any major that gets their blood pumping and do it well.  The success will follow.


i actually wanted to become an engineer. :huh:
but now i'm starting pharmacy.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: dazzleman on August 14, 2007, 06:00:42 AM
Quote from: MaxPower on August 13, 2007, 06:08:43 AM
Let me preface this by saying that no, I don't need legal advice!? ?:lol:

That said, do we have any lawyers here on CarSPIN?? :evildude:?

Jeff, I have to admit, when I saw the title of this thread, I assumed we had another winner of my 'next to get a ticket' thread.... :lol:

Good luck with law school.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MaxPower on August 14, 2007, 06:44:30 AM
Quote from: dazzleman on August 14, 2007, 06:00:42 AM
Jeff, I have to admit, when I saw the title of this thread, I assumed we had another winner of my 'next to get a ticket' thread.... :lol:

Ha!  Yeah, well, ya see, I'm going to law school so that I can fight traffic tickets on behalf of 'spinners around the world.  That's it, my one and only motivation!   :P 

In all seriousness though, I think the LEO input on ticket questions is great and I think having an attorney's input would be equally helpful.  So, after I complete the requisite coursework, I'll bring my 2 cents back to carspin.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MaxPower on August 14, 2007, 07:09:11 AM
Quote from: J86 on August 13, 2007, 08:55:09 AM
What type of law are you pursuing, and where are ya headed?

Without being too vague or specific, I'm headed to an ABA-approved New England school with a great local reputation.  As far as my pursuits, I'm totally open minded--I'll see what courses interest me the most.

Quote from: saxonyronSteenking bastages never had to do a differential equation in their lives.   :banghead:  I've told my kids to just pick any major that gets their blood pumping and do it well.

Good call.  I double-majored as an undergraduate in history and archaeology.  For the past two years I've worked in biomedical research.  I think if you channel yourself into a pre-law or pre-anything program too early you're missing out on a lot.

By the way, what's a differential equation? :huh: ;)
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: saxonyron on August 14, 2007, 07:36:09 AM
Quote from: MaxPower on August 14, 2007, 07:09:11 AM


By the way, what's a differential equation? :huh: ;)

:lol:? For me, it was kind of like a root canal, but the dentist forgot the novocaine.? :banghead:? I took the "Gentleman's C" in diff-e-q.? I love engineering, but damn, I never took much of a shine to advanced calculus.? Good luck in school, Max!? I'm happy with where I am now, but 20 years out of college, if I could hit the rewind button, I would have gone to Law School - with my engineering degree. There is serious demand for lawyers with engineering degrees.? The dad of one of my kid's friends has an engineering degree (mechanical, like mine), and is working for a good salary ($100k)  for a law firm full time while they put him thru law school at nights.? And he's 43 - even older than me!? ?:confused:? I'd do it in a heart beat, except that my own business is doing pretty well and I'd have to take a cut in pay.? He's basically guaranteed a $250k base when he's done in a 2 or 3 years.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on August 14, 2007, 08:53:54 AM
Quote from: MaxPower on August 14, 2007, 07:09:11 AM
Without being too vague or specific, I'm headed to an ABA-approved New England school with a great local reputation.? As far as my pursuits, I'm totally open minded--I'll see what courses interest me the most.

Good call.? I double-majored as an undergraduate in history and archaeology.? For the past two years I've worked in biomedical research.? I think if you channel yourself into a pre-law or pre-anything program too early you're missing out on a lot.

By the way, what's a differential equation? :huh: ;)

Cool cool, I'm probably headed to Boston area myself for school
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: SVT_Power on September 15, 2007, 05:12:47 PM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on August 13, 2007, 01:50:06 PM
He edited my essays in the last school year.

No I'm not a Canadian-born Canuck. I immigrated from India when I was 3, in 1992. All my schooling was done here.

honestly i dont think it makes a difference between being born here and coming here when you're that little. I came to canada when I was 9 (next march would mean i've spent half of my life in korea and half in canada).
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: IrishGuy on September 15, 2007, 05:30:10 PM
Quote from: saxonyron on August 14, 2007, 07:36:09 AM
:lol:  For me, it was kind of like a root canal, but the dentist forgot the novocaine.  :banghead:  I took the "Gentleman's C" in diff-e-q.  I love engineering, but damn, I never took much of a shine to advanced calculus.  Good luck in school, Max!  I'm happy with where I am now, but 20 years out of college, if I could hit the rewind button, I would have gone to Law School - with my engineering degree. There is serious demand for lawyers with engineering degrees.  The dad of one of my kid's friends has an engineering degree (mechanical, like mine), and is working for a good salary ($100k)  for a law firm full time while they put him thru law school at nights.  And he's 43 - even older than me!   :confused:  I'd do it in a heart beat, except that my own business is doing pretty well and I'd have to take a cut in pay.  He's basically guaranteed a $250k base when he's done in a 2 or 3 years.


Differential equations kicked my butt. If only I had known I would have to take up to calc IV for my B.S. in Computer Engineering Tech. Luckily I made it through and kept my GPA up (even with the damn C).

And hey, it pays off in the end... I think... maybe someday...  :(
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MX793 on September 15, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
Quote from: TBR on August 13, 2007, 10:37:35 PM
Ron, where were you in Benzboy's thread in GT? That is exactly what all of this big headed engineers/engineering students need to hear :devil:

Sometimes I wonder if people dwell too much on "the money" when they look at career choices.  I would much rather earn a more modest wage doing a job from which I can get a sense of satisfaction than toiling away for a mint at a job I loathe.  That's not to say that law or finance can't be rewarding (beyond money) or satisfying jobs, but I think that there are too many people who look at how much money they could possibly make and then make their career choices based almost exclusively on that number.

And for all you finance folks who like to flaunt that you can make more than engineers while having an easier go of it at college or like to call engineers big headed, consider the following:  engineering is hard because it can carry a great deal more weight than other occupations.  When an engineer screws up, lives can be at stake.  A miscalculation that goes unnoticed can result death.  Next time you step onto an airplane or a bridge or a high-rise, consider that your life and safety is to some degree resting on the shoulders of the men and women who designed and built that plane, bridge, or building.  When was the last time someone died because an accountant forgot to carry a 1 or because some high-paid corporate lawyer lost a case due to an error in judgement?
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: dazzleman on September 15, 2007, 07:03:02 PM
Quote from: MX793 on September 15, 2007, 06:56:27 PM
Sometimes I wonder if people dwell too much on "the money" when they look at career choices.  I would much rather earn a more modest wage doing a job from which I can get a sense of satisfaction than toiling away for a mint at a job I loathe.  That's not to say that law or finance can't be rewarding (beyond money) or satisfying jobs, but I think that there are too many people who look at how much money they could possibly make and then make their career choices based almost exclusively on that number.

And for all you finance folks who like to flaunt that you can make more than engineers while having an easier go of it at college or like to call engineers big headed, consider the following:  engineering is hard because it can carry a great deal more weight than other occupations.  When an engineer screws up, lives can be at stake.  A miscalculation that goes unnoticed can result death.  Next time you step onto an airplane or a bridge or a high-rise, consider that your life and safety is to some degree resting on the shoulders of the men and women who designed and built that plane, bridge, or building.  When was the last time someone died because an accountant forgot to carry a 1 or because some high-paid corporate lawyer lost a case due to an error in judgement?

I agree that a person should never choose a career simply because of money.  Money can surely be a factor in the decision, but nobody should do something they hate, or for which they are not suited, simply for money.

Generally speaking, if you choose a career in something you like and are good at, the money will come, one way or another.  To choose something in which you have no interest just for the money will set you up for failure, and the money may never come in that case.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: GoCougs on September 15, 2007, 08:39:45 PM
The guys making big money in finance and law are the exception. The majority simply make a living.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:47:13 PM
(I'm officially hijacking this thread with old lawyer jokes. :devil:)

The devil visited a lawyer's office and made him an offer. "I can arrange some things for you, " the devil said. "I'll increase your income five-fold. Your partners will love you; your clients will respect you; you'll have four months of vacation each year and live to be a hundred. All I require in return is that your wife's soul, your children's souls, and their children's souls rot in hell for eternity."

The lawyer thought for a moment. "What's the catch?" he asked.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:49:19 PM
The day after a verdict had been entered against his client, the lawyer rushed to the judge's chambers, demanding that the case be reopened, saying: "I have new evidence that makes a huge difference in my client's defense."

The judge asked, "What new evidence could you have?"

The lawyer replied, "My client has an extra $10,000, and I just found out about it!"
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:50:32 PM
An old man was on his death bed. He wanted badly to take some of his money with him. He called his priest, his doctor and his lawyer to his bedside. "Here's $30,000 cash to be held by each of you. I trust you to put this in my coffin when I die so I can take all my money with me."

At the funeral, each man put an envelope in the coffin. Riding away in a limousine, the priest suddenly broke into tears and confessed, "I had only put $20,000 into the envelope because I needed $10,000 for a new baptistery."

"Well, since we're confiding in each other," said the doctor, "I only put $10,000 in the envelope because we needed a new machine at the hospital which cost $20,000."

The lawyer was aghast. "I'm ashamed of both of you," he exclaimed. "I want it known that when I put my envelope in that coffin, it held my personal check for the full $30,000."
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:51:48 PM
How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?

Fifty four. Eight to argue, one to get a continuance, one to object, one to demur, two to research precedents, one to dictate a letter, one to stipulate, five to turn in their time cards, one to depose, one to write interrogatories, two to settle, one to order a secretary to change the bulb, and twenty-eight to bill for professional services.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:54:00 PM
Two little squirrels were walking along in the forest. The first one spied a nut and cried out, "Oh, look! A nut!" The second squirrel jumped on it and said, "It?s my nut!"
The first squirrel said, "That?s not fair! I saw it first!"

"Well, you may have seen it, but I have it," argued the second.

At that point, a lawyer squirrel came up and said, "You shouldn?t quarrel.  Let me resolve this dispute." The two squirrels nodded, and the lawyer squirrel said, "Now, give me the nut." He broke the nut in half, and handed half to each squirrel, saying, "See? It was foolish of you to fight. Now the dispute is resolved."

Then he reached over and said, "And for my fee, I?ll take the meat."
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:54:58 PM
What's the difference between a bankrupt attorney and a pigeon?

The pigeon can still make a deposit on a Mercedes.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:55:12 PM
 How can you tell the difference between a dead skunk and a dead attorney on the road?

The vultures aren't gagging over the skunk.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:55:31 PM
What's the difference between a lawyer and a terrorist?

You can negotiate with a terrorist.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:55:52 PM
What's the difference between a lawyer and a trampoline?

You take off your shoes before you jump on a trampoline.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:57:30 PM
What do honest lawyers and UFOs have in common?

You always hear about them, but you never see them.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:57:56 PM
What's black and brown and looks good on an attorney?

A doberman pinscher.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:58:13 PM
What's the difference between a dead dog in the road and a dead lawyer in the road?

There are skid marks in front of the dog.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:58:24 PM
What's wrong with lawyer jokes?

Lawyers don't think they're funny, and nobody else thinks they're jokes.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Rupert on September 16, 2007, 02:05:28 AM
Quote from: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:55:52 PM
What's the difference between a lawyer dead baby and a trampoline?

You take off your shoes before you jump on a trampoline.

That's more like it!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: Rupert on September 16, 2007, 02:06:12 AM
Quote from: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:50:32 PM
The lawyer was aghast. "I'm ashamed of both of you," he exclaimed. "I want it known that when I put my envelope in that coffin, it held my personal check for the full $30,000."

That man is a genius!
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: MaxPower on September 17, 2007, 10:33:20 AM
Quote from: sandertheshark on September 15, 2007, 08:47:13 PM
(I'm officially hijacking this thread with old lawyer jokes. :devil:)

At my going-away staff party, a few of my coworkers printed a ton lawyer jokes and put them around the room as party favors.  We spent about an hour going through them, making fun of lawyers, and generally having a good time!  :lol:


Why won't a shark eat a lawyer?  Professional courtesy.
Title: Re: Any 'Spin Lawyers
Post by: J86 on September 17, 2007, 09:21:40 PM
whats the difference between a hooker and  a lawyer?

a hooker will stop fucking you when youre dead.