Have you ever noticed that the lawyer always smiles more than the client?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The lawyer smiles more because they profit regardless of the outcome, while the client's happiness depends on winning.
- In plain terms
- Lawyers are happy because they get paid either way, but clients are only happy if they win.
- What can you take from it?
- Look at who profits to understand who benefits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits if the deal goes wrong?
- How can you spot misaligned incentives?
Another view
Sometimes lawyers genuinely care about their clients outcomes despite the financial structure.
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