This is definitely a rich person thing, at least in the USA. Most people I know and associate with don't have the kind of money to keep a lawyer on retainer.
this post was submitted on 13 May 2025
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No need, we still have due process and the rule of law where I live.
Ok do you have businesses because usually “my lawyer” is the business’ legal representative. People in your country might he doing this for non-criminal cases.
In USA? May still spend a night or two in jail before it's cleared up.
In USA?
I said we still have due process and the rule of law, so obviously not.
Judging by their comment, I highly doubt they mean the us.
I always wondered about this. In movies they always say something like wait until my lawyer hears about this. They always use the term "my lawyer" like they are in regular contact with one.
I have the sense this is a rich person thing.
My brother has regular contact with his businesses’ lawyers. If he threatens to sue you that is what he is doing
I just have insurance for that. If I need a lawyer I can call them and they refer me to one.
I actually tried calling a few lawyers to establish myself with them before it’s needed, but none of the lawyers I talked to were interested. they all told me to just call them if I get arrested or something else happens. 🤷
You don’t usually keep defense lawyers on retainer
Unless you're the mob.
Yeah, I had the same thing. They were basically like call us back when you actually have legal problems.
I think they just don't want the accounting headache of reporting thousands of small retainers for no real purpose.
Should I? Yes
Do I? No
Can it come back and bite me? Hell yes.
Most criminal defense lawyers have a 24/7 on-call line and you don't need to pay a retainer until you call it.
I mean, I have a lawyer I've used for a few things over the last decade or so, and they'd be my goto, but they're not on retainer.
Yes, but that's because I have a lot of relatives who are lawyers.
Yes. Our dad advised us to have a lawyer and an accountant on retainer.
How much does it cost to keep a lawyer on retainer?
Depends on where you live and the lawyer. It costs me a few hundred euros a year, and whenever I have a question or need something legalese, she’s just a call away.
Just curious, for what type of circumstances would you need an accountant on retainer?
To take care of your finances
Oh, like if you have investments and stuff. OK, makes sense.
No.