Tag Archives: legal advice

What is it with American Clients and their Nazi Obsession?

I really like to help the victims of Nazi persecution. Or rather their descendants, considering that most people who survived that horror have passed away since. My main focus is on the restitution of German citizenship to those whose ancestors … Continue reading

Posted in German Law, Germany, Law | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

Quite some Drama

Pro tip: Whenver a woman e-mails on behalf of her boyfriend, most likely unknowingly, and refers to the boyfriend as “fiance”, expect some drama. And expect only half of the story. At most. Although this half is confusing enough. Okay … Continue reading

Posted in Family Law, Law | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Testing a Client’s Sense of Humor

Five years ago, an American lady contacted me about applying for German citizenship. She fell into that group of people who could qualify without living in Germany, but she would need to pass the German language test at a high … Continue reading

Posted in German Law, Language, Law | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Random Thoughts (22)

In 2017, I seem to have been a bit lazy. I did not run a single half-marathon. But with the risk of war rising, I want to become fitter again. Last weekend, I began by running a half-marathon near Pilsen … Continue reading

Posted in Bolivia, Books, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Sports, Travel, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

How to deal with disorganized clients

A lady who already displayed some warning signs wanted me to advise her about a child custody case in Germany. In the following conversation, I am the part in dark blue. I haven’t heard from her again. By the way, … Continue reading

Posted in Family Law, German Law, Law | Tagged , | 7 Comments

How to spot a querulous client

Some clients are better not having. When you find out that someone takes up too much time or causes you a headache, it’s often the best thing to fire that client. Whenever I did that, clients were surprised: “But you … Continue reading

Posted in German Law, Germany, Law | Tagged , | 25 Comments

Is this the craziest client ever?

I don’t even know why I am putting so much effort into writing short stories, when all you need to do is become a lawyer and then wait for people to send their own crazy stories. Latest example: Re: My … Continue reading

Posted in Law | Tagged | 29 Comments

Beware of the “Quick Question”

I you provide professional services, you should add the words “quick question” to your e-mail configuration settings and send those messages straight to the spam folder. Case in point from today: RE: Quick Question Hello Andreas, my German husband and … Continue reading

Posted in Family Law, German Law, Law, UK | Tagged | 16 Comments

Random Thoughts (17)

Now I know why it’s called CATalonia: it doesn’t know if it wants to walk through the door or not. Shouldn’t nobody sign no contract that they ain’t read before. (I am now giving legal advice in country lyrics, at … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Law, Lithuania, Politics, Spain, Time, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

How to tell if a lawyer is experienced

As I mentioned in the 10 Rules on Finding a Good Lawyer, I think that experience is overrated. Nonetheless, it seems an important criterion for some clients. So, here is a simple test to determine a lawyer’s experience: you have to approach … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Life | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment