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Which "friend" is the most advantageous to have? (1 Viewer)

Which of the following is the best to know as a friend?

  • Lawyer

    Votes: 21 11.5%

  • Doctor

    Votes: 14 7.7%

  • Dentist

    Votes: 2 1.1%

  • General contractor

    Votes: 35 19.2%

  • Specific trade (plumber, electrician, etc.)

    Votes: 18 9.9%

  • Mechanic

    Votes: 70 38.5%

  • Accountant

    Votes: 4 2.2%

  • Other

    Votes: 5 2.7%

  • Police officer

    Votes: 13 7.1%
  • Total voters
    182
gianmarco

gianmarco

Footballguy
I might be missing some big ones but feel free to clarify. We all have that friend that can help out in their specific area of expertise. That doctor friend that can save an office or ER visit maybe. The mechanic that can save you $ when fixing your car.

So, which of these hookups is the best to have?

ETA--Added police officer for those tickets you might get.

 
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Lawyer - This could be helpful in some sticky situations, getting advice, etc High on the list

Doctor - This is probably the least advantageous. With medical insurance covering most expenses its rather convenient to make an appt to see your general doc. Also, conflict of interest and such

Dentist - Not very advantageous. Whats your dentist friend gonna do if you have a tooth ache? Perform a root canal on his couch?

General contractor - could be helpful for advice and saving money

Specific trade (plumber, electrician, etc.) - see above

Mechanic - This one is HUGE cuz nobody trusts a mechanic

Accountant - Im pretty sure most Accountants HATE when their friends ask them tax advice

Police officer - I guess if you break the law. Not sure how he can help

Id say

#1 Lawyer

#2 Mechanic

 
My mechanic cousin is absolutely wonderful. Saves me sooo much money hassle and a bit of worry.

But I voted Lawyer - even though you shouldn't get much use out of it, but if you do it could potentially be priceless.

 
Couple of lawyer friends and they best they do is make waffles.

I'm going to say a mechanical engineer as they know about plumbing, electrical, cars, etc. At least I do :)

 
'shadyridr said:
Accountant - Im pretty sure most Accountants HATE when their friends ask them tax advice
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I would expect that most anybody hates it if that's what they feel that's what the friendship is all about. I generally would think that tradesmen would be the most willing to discuss work at home--but that's because it frequently gets into comparing different options and new ideas. I picked Doctor. Not because I expect any serious doctoring, but because on an emergency basis having an EMT around is pretty handy. Generally any of the others can wait for an appointment.
 
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Outside of advice, would a lawyer friend really be that helpful? Lawyerguys: would you not charge your friends?

ETA: Tradesman would be the best IMO.

 
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Mechanic. As an attorney, while I am happy to help out friends, you are always wondering what is my potential liability here AND what if the question involves an area of law you do not practice in.

 
You should add Computer Geek to the list. I am constantly working on friends computers and they know the drill: Cost to work on their computer is a case of good beer and a fine cigar.

 
Side note - not meant to derail...

if you work in one of these positions and someone hires you, what kind of discount would be appropriate?

 
I voted Trades.

Doctor and Lawyer? Yeah you can bounce stuff of your Dr or Lawyer friend, but when it comes down to it is your buddy going to represent you in court pro bono? Perhaps but that's asking a lot of your friend.

My BIL is a plumber and has saved me a bit of $$$ over the years. And I'm going to spring the news that he's gotta install a new softener soon, and probably water heater after that. :yes:

 
'Godsbrother said:
You should add Computer Geek to the list. I am constantly working on friends computers and they know the drill: Cost to work on their computer is a case of good beer and a fine cigar.
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:lmao:I'd say we should all be qualifying our answers with what we do ourselves. I didn't pick tradesman because you could call me "Jack" I do so much construction wise--and I'm the one always being pulled in to help. Historically that's for whatever drink and smoke it takes to complete the job!
 
'Cliff Clavin said:
Outside of advice, would a lawyer friend really be that helpful? Lawyerguys: would you not charge your friends?

ETA: Tradesman would be the best IMO.
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guy in my circle of friends is an attorney and was helping another one of us plea down his DUI. we met for lunch one day & made fun of DUI guy for being stupid. lawyerguy charged him for the lunch.
 
I have a BIL that can do all of the above minus the doctoring, dentist and lawyering. Also is a pilot and has a nice boat, jetskis and camper. :thumbup:

Lawyers have friends? Who knew? :shrug:

 
'shadyridr said:
Dentist - Not very advantageous. Whats your dentist friend gonna do if you have a tooth ache? Perform a root canal on his couch?
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oh eat it.i can give you discounts on dental procedures, which is dopeI can write prescriptions for antibiotics, pain meds, steroids (the kind that treat poison ivy and stuff), anti-fungals, etc.i can stitch you up if you cut yourself.... i'm very versatilenot to mention i'll also most likely be your most wealthy friend so i'll pick up a tab here and there and have the nice home to have parties that that you'll be able to freeload food and booze from.
 
'Dr. No said:
'shadyridr said:
Dentist - Not very advantageous. Whats your dentist friend gonna do if you have a tooth ache? Perform a root canal on his couch?
Click to expand...
oh eat it.i can give you discounts on dental procedures, which is dopeI can write prescriptions for antibiotics, pain meds, steroids (the kind that treat poison ivy and stuff), anti-fungals, etc.i can stitch you up if you cut yourself.... i'm very versatilenot to mention i'll also most likely be your most wealthy friend so i'll pick up a tab here and there and have the nice home to have parties that that you'll be able to freeload food and booze from.
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I'm sold.:slidesarmoverdrno'sshoulder:
 
'Mr. Ected said:
Have a friend who was a pro at a golf course. Was able to play on his course for a significant discount. :thumbup:
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That's huge.I've got a friend that works for Disney. We've been to visit a few times and can get into any of the parks for free and can play on the golf courses there for like 60% off. Also got a decent discount when we took the Disney cruise.He's easily saved us a couple thousand over the last few years.
 
I've been asked to help out friends on legal matters (general advice, reviewing contracts, researching a particular area of the law, etc.) countless times (including a number of folks here in the FFA). I don't recall ever asking someone for help in their career area. So I'd go with lawyer.

 
I went with mechanic - but could easily have gone with any of the trades. My wife's family all were tradesmen - mostly carpet or tile. You don't know the amount of money that has saved me over the years. Not only that but they know people who know other thinsg such as electric or plumbing - it is like this huge cabal. Got to love it.

 
On a daily basis all the others may come in more handy, but when the #### hits the fan a good lawyer is the one you want on your side.

 
'Cliff Clavin said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
Outside of advice, would a lawyer friend really be that helpful? Lawyerguys: would you not charge your friends?
Click to expand...
Depends on what they need.
Click to expand...
Representation in court.
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Could you be a little more ambiguous?
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Lets try it this way. How many hours of your time would you give to a friend pro-bono?
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There are probably a couple matters that I've spent 10 or 15 hours on for a friend.
 
Solo practitioner or small firm laywer may be more advantageous. I feel kind of worthless in BigLaw. Even if I'm doing something as small as reviewing a simple will for a family member (since my firm would be on the hook for any malpractice), my firm's policy is that I must first run a firm-wide conflicts check, then I have to prepare a new matter file and fill out the required paperwork, and, finally, get it approved by the firm's pro bono committee. You'd have to be a very good friend for me to do all that for you.

 
'BigSteelThrill said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
Outside of advice, would a lawyer friend really be that helpful? Lawyerguys: would you not charge your friends?
Click to expand...
Depends on what they need.
Click to expand...
Representation in court.
Click to expand...
Could you be a little more ambiguous?
Click to expand...
Oh the Irony! :excited: May I present you with the The FBGs 10 ★ Award for Irony!
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I don't think you know what that word means.
 
'Cliff Clavin said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
'Christo said:
'Cliff Clavin said:
Outside of advice, would a lawyer friend really be that helpful? Lawyerguys: would you not charge your friends?
Click to expand...
Depends on what they need.
Click to expand...
Representation in court.
Click to expand...
Could you be a little more ambiguous?
Click to expand...
Lets try it this way. How many hours of your time would you give to a friend pro-bono?
Click to expand...
3-4After that I'm still not going to charge my full rate but it's going to be something. As my former boss said to me many times, clients really don't understand unless they have a little skin in the game too.
 
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'bigbottom said:
I've been asked to help out friends on legal matters (general advice, reviewing contracts, researching a particular area of the law, etc.) countless times (including a number of folks here in the FFA). I don't recall ever asking someone for help in their career area. So I'd go with lawyer.
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Really??I don't know how many times my buddy the IT guy has helped me with my computer, with the internet hookup, with I-tunes that I can't understand, with other technical stuff.I went "other" and say IT professional. The reason is that there are a million "small" questions that I can ask that don't seem like a big deal (i.e., drafting somebody's will). But they add up. Without question, IT-guy is the friend to have.
 
'Sweet J said:
'bigbottom said:
I've been asked to help out friends on legal matters (general advice, reviewing contracts, researching a particular area of the law, etc.) countless times (including a number of folks here in the FFA). I don't recall ever asking someone for help in their career area. So I'd go with lawyer.
Click to expand...
Really??I don't know how many times my buddy the IT guy has helped me with my computer, with the internet hookup, with I-tunes that I can't understand, with other technical stuff.I went "other" and say IT professional. The reason is that there are a million "small" questions that I can ask that don't seem like a big deal (i.e., drafting somebody's will). But they add up. Without question, IT-guy is the friend to have.
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I do have a buddy who is in IT, but I've never asked him for IT help. I have, however, asked him to help me do some set-up work on my guitars (he used to be a guitar tech), so I guess I have asked someone for assistance in the area of their former career.
 
do I have to hang out with the lawyer when he's not giving me free legal advice? if so, give me the mechanic

 
From my personal experience my most advantageous friend was a dentist. Hooked me up w a bunch of otherwise expensive services.

Mechanic would be awesome though.

However I would echo the lawyer sentiment. I get asked for help all the day and gave huge discounts when I was at a small firm. Not a fan though bc when money is back in play it changes the relationship dynamic. Being a pub def it is definitely nice to be able to explain I can't do any actual representation in court.

 
'shadyridr said:
Lawyer - This could be helpful in some sticky situations, getting advice, etc High on the list Doctor - This is probably the least advantageous. With medical insurance covering most expenses its rather convenient to make an appt to see your general doc. Also, conflict of interest and such Dentist - Not very advantageous. Whats your dentist friend gonna do if you have a tooth ache? Perform a root canal on his couch? General contractor - could be helpful for advice and saving money Specific trade (plumber, electrician, etc.) - see above Mechanic - This one is HUGE cuz nobody trusts a mechanic Accountant - Im pretty sure most Accountants HATE when their friends ask them tax advice Police officer - I guess if you break the law. Not sure how he can helpId say#1 Lawyer#2 Mechanic
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I would say mechanic is number one because they not only can fix cars, but they are also handy for other stuff around your house too. I disagree with lawyer...my wife is a lawyer and she specializes in one type of law like many lawyers do...she gets calls all the time from people and can usually do nothing more than offer a referral.
 
Neighbor across the street is a handyman and he has helped with our house issues many times. Fixed the garage door, installed our water heater, gave me advice on how to fix some little stuff.. all for a bottle or 2 of wine. Great to have around if something home-related breaks and I can't figure it out.

 
I would say lawyer as most of us are willing to help.

I agree with Christo, it depends. If I am making a routine appearance for a speeding violation and I negotiate with the SA and I am there 15 minutes, I would feel funny about taking money. Most friends will give you a starbucks gift card or something that shows they appreciate the gesture. One of the attorneys in our office helped out with a major speeding violation and was there a few hours for his buddy and the guy gave him a nice gift in return.

I have a friend where I cover cases in my county all the time for his firm and they pay for my appearances, as it is more than a one time deal, a nominal amount for an appearance, but something so it is not a complete waste of the 15 minutes to hour I am there.

If it is a PI case, or big criminal issue that requires significant time, then I am charging, but at a discount. I practice PI/WC so I discount my percentage.

 
My wife is a labor and delivery nurse, yet every time a friend or one of the kid's team mates is sick or gets an injury they always refer them to my wife because she is an RN. Newsflash - if the patient is not deliveringh a baby, the L&D nurse probably can't help them out too much.

 
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