One of the basic foundations of the judicial system of every free nation is the notion that "no one is above the law". This concept is very vital in the preservation of social order. In line with this, most laws are enacted in order to protect the underprivileged against those who will use their power and influence to oppress the weak. With this, lawyers are appointed as the vanguards of justice and the seeker of truth. But where will a poor, lowly citizen seeking for relief under the law go, if these so-called advocates of justice are the one trampling on their rights?

Accordingly, the most common form of malpractice in the legal profession is attorney scams. This term is used to denote the ways and means by which a lawyer uses his knowledge in law, in order to deceive the clients and for the purpose of amassing money. These acts constitute a direct violation of the ethical standards and professional code of lawyers. Through the years, people are shocked to hear various incidents of lawyers involved in scams. What is more shocking is that the victims are oftentimes the members of the impoverished sector of the society. They are simple people who are aggrieved and seeking for remedy the law can provide for them, but unfortunately have fallen to the wrong hands. The root cause of this problem is usually traced to greed. The materialistic mentality pushed lawyers to forget their sworn duty to uphold the interest of justice. Instead of catering to the welfare of the client, money became the primary consideration in handling the client's case. Accumulating wealth at the expense of the weak became the trend, overshadowing the real purpose of becoming a member of the bar.

HOW TO AVOID ATTORNEY SCAMS

It is true that at first, one may find it very hard to spot a scamming lawyer from an honest one. After all, they both use the same terminologies and jargons. Though this is the case, it is not impossible to avoid being preyed by greedy sharks in the legal profession. With this, it is necessary to be vigilant, keeping an eye open for possible acts of scams by lawyers. In order to do this, one must seek the recommendation of close friends and family members before hiring a lawyer. Always go to those already trusted by relatives and friends. More often than not, they will recommend a lawyer that they know is competent and trustworthy enough to handle even the most delicate cases. When in the process of selecting a lawyer, it is also advisable to ask for the attorney's legal certificate. To do this, first hand knowledge of an authentic legal certificate is a must. This is to avoid being represented by a non-lawyer, resulting to mishandling of the case. It is also advisable to consult the local bar association regarding the authenticity of a lawyer's license to practice. Lastly, but probably the most important thing to do to avoid being scammed is to ask for second opinion. Never settle for the opinion of just one lawyer and immediately hire his services. It would be better to look for another lawyer who offers free consultation fee regarding the merits of one's case. A good lawyer never promises victory but only guarantees to uphold justice. A comparison of the lawyers' opinions will help the client to distinguish a lawyer with genuine intentions from the scamming one.

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