Pagans and the Law

For most people, going to see a lawyer is about as much fun as a root canal. The attorney is going to think that I am weird, you are saying to yourself. The attorney will never take my case. But lawyers see a lot of weird people who somehow found themselves in very strange circumstances. Without weird people in very strange circumstances, most attorneys would not  have jobs. So, relax! You are probably not the oddest apple in the barrel. Besides, there are ways to endear you to a lawyer right from the start.

When you go to see an attorney, be on time and keep your appointment. If you are married, your spouse should accompany you. Make arrangements for a babysitter if you have children. Take with you all court papers that you have, any and all documents pertaining to the legal matter (for example, if a landlord/tenant dispute, bring a copy of the lease, if you have one), and various resources regarding your spiritual tradition. Be ready and willing to educate your attorney on your particular religious tradition. This means that you must be educated and articulate regarding your religious/spiritual beliefs. You are the greatest singular resource your attorney has. Prepare a list of books, Websites, and other educational materials that will be beneficial to the attorney.

Additionally, you must go to the attorney’s office with a good personal appearance. You should dress well, but casually. You do not need to wear a suit and tie or wear a dress with heels and stockings. However, your clothes should be clean and pressed. Keep jewelry and other bodily adornments at a minimum, and be assured of good personal hygiene. You should be freshly bathed with clean hair and well-barbered facial hair. An attorney is interested in a potential client who will make a good impression on either a judge or a jury. An unclean, unkempt appearance will almost certainly make a bad impression on the lawyer, and this could color her/his decision to take you as a client. The attorney will probably think that if you did not care enough to make a good impression in the law office, then you will not care enough to make a good impression to a judge or a jury. I have evaluated dozens of witnesses and clients during my years of litigation work, and in preparation for trial I have given this same speech to many of them. The ultimate goal here, in the mind of counsel, is to convince the trier of fact (whether a jury, an administrative agency, or a judge) that you, the client, are really no different from anyone else and that you want the same rights as anyone else.

By now, the attorney should realize that you are not a crackpot and that you are capable of making a good appearance in court, of giving credible testimony, and of being a great help in the preparation of your case. Lawyers like this sort of client. Now, there are some other items that you must discuss with the lawyer.