#21
Hiring StageHigh Risk
The lawyer claims to have 'special connections' and guarantees you'll win
False Promises
Why It's Dangerous
No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a case. A lawyer who claims to have 'special relationships' with judges or prosecutors, or who promises a sure win, is either scamming you or implying they'll bribe someone — both are extremely dangerous.
Real Case
A lawyer claimed to be a former classmate of the presiding judge and 'guaranteed a win.' The client paid a high fee. After losing, the lawyer refused a refund, saying 'the connection didn't pan out.' The client later discovered the lawyer didn't know the judge at all.
* This case has been anonymized. Details have been adjusted to protect privacy.
What To Do
1
Any promise of guaranteed victory is not to be trusted2
Lawyers are legally prohibited from promising case outcomes3
A lawyer who claims to have connections is even less trustworthy4
Choose a lawyer based on professional competence, not supposed connections