Why Lawyers Aren't Buses | They Don't Teach You That In Law School

Setting Boundaries as a Young Lawyer: "And being able to discern what you can do, what you can't do, what you should do, and what you shouldn't do as you start practice." - Steve Palmer

I’m sharing a lesson that stuck with me from right after my own law school days: a lawyer is not a bus. Troy and I dive into what that really means—why you don’t have to stop for every client, why saying “no” can save your career, and how vital it is to set boundaries, especially when you’re just getting started or when family and friends come calling for favors.

We talk candidly about the challenges you face outside the classroom, like handling “can’t you just…” requests, resisting the temptation to take every case (even for Aunt Joanne!), and balancing the desire to help with the realities of making a living. I draw from my own war stories and mistakes so you can avoid the same pitfalls—particularly around ethical responsibilities, pro bono work, and the constant pressure to do more than you should.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Lawyers aren’t obligated to take every case. Just because someone asks (even Aunt Joanne!) doesn’t mean you have to say yes. Saying “no” — and setting healthy boundaries — is vital to avoid overcommitment and professional pitfalls.

Beware of the “Can’t You Just...” Trap. Clients (and family) will often push for free or heavily discounted legal help, asking, “Can’t you just write a letter?” These situations rarely end well and can drain your time, energy, and resources.

Pro bono is a choice, not an obligation. While giving back is important, the decision to do pro bono work should be yours. Don’t let guilt or pressure dictate when, how, or for whom you volunteer your services.

Moments

00:00 Understanding Professional Ethics in Law

04:29 Right to Decline Client Representation

08:41 Learning to Say No in Law

10:37 "Recognizing Problematic Client Cases"

13:31 Doing God's Work vs. Paid Work

16:59 "No Guarantees, Only Effort"

22:25 "Lawyer's Time Is Valuable"

24:58 Selective Pro Bono Participation

26:45 Not My Area of Expertise

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

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