FAQ

Will the Library open early for Lawcademy?

While the Main Library does not open until 9:00 a.m., the Community Learning Center will open at 8:00 a.m. for check-in and refreshments. Please enter through the CLC's main entrance at the corner of Michigan and Wayne.

Can I RSVP at the door?

We hope to allow registration at the check-in table, but we cannot guarantee that sessions will have seats available. If you would like to secure the sessions of your choice, please RSVP in advance.

Can I ask a lawyer questions at Lawcademy?

It depends!

No, really, that's not a joke. It does depend on what your question is. We might also say "yes and no!"

Yes! Most of our presenters will do their best to reserve time at the end of their presentation for your questions. (Please note: some may not, and that's OK too.) If your question is about the material being presented, general legal rules, or other information of that nature, then presenters who take questions will do their best to help.

But maybe, no. If your question asks for advice about your specific legal circumstances, our presenters may be bound by state rules prohibiting legal advice until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

Why is that?

Think of it like going to a doctor. Because the consequences of getting poor medical advice are high, medical ethics rules usually prevent doctors from providing medical advice until after a doctor-patient relationship is established, and the doctor has learned a lot about you first -- your medical history, your drug allergies, your current health condition and vitals, and so on. All that takes time. You're unlikely to meet a doctor at a cookout and get a full examination, but they might happily share some general knowledge by the campfire.

Legal advice (and legal ethics rules) are similar. Because the legal stakes can be high, an attorney generally cannot provide individualized legal advice until a lawyer-client relationship has been established. Unless there's an emergency, establishing that relationship requires the same attention to detail regarding your specific circumstances.

That's one reason lawyers are so fond of saying "it depends." An answer to a legal question is always dependent on a variety of factors. And because no two clients' circumstances are the same, no legal question is ever quite the same for one client as it is for the other.

Need more? This Charleston Law Firm's Blog post is one of the most thorough explanations we've seen.

What can I do if I need legal advice?

If you are in need of legal advice that is specific to your circumstances, consulting an attorney is advised. You may find the following resources helpful.