Legal hacks from every type of lawyer

Another Tuesday, another legal crash course from your favorite internet lawyer.

Recently, I sat down with lawyers from every corner of the legal world: criminal defense, education, tax, civil, and more. I asked each of them one simple question: 

What’s one legal hack everyone should know?

Here’s what they had to say.

Let’s get into it.

1. You just won the lottery. Now what?

Gary Markerian – Lottery & Tax Attorney

• Don’t tell anyone. Seriously. No friends, no group chats, no humblebrags.

• Build your team first: You need a tax attorney, financial advisor, accountant, and estate planner before you claim the prize.

• Keep your cool if you can’t stay anonymous: In some states, winners are a matter of public record, but you can still work with the lottery board to manage the exposure and move on quickly.

And yes, take the lump sum. (According to Gary, anyway.)

2. You’re in the interrogation room. What do you do?

Matt Vodnoy – Criminal Defense Attorney

• Police are not on your side. Doesn’t matter how friendly they seem.

• They can lie to you legally — say they have your DNA, a witness, or a confession.

• Don’t say a word. Invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer, even if you're innocent.

• Don’t talk about your case on jail calls. They’re recorded and always used against you.

3. You’re a student and your phone just got taken.

Joshua Ritter – Criminal & Education Lawyer

• Teachers can take your phone…but not forever. Ask when you’ll get it back and request that they notify your parents.

• They can’t search it without “reasonable suspicion.” School admins must have reasonable suspicion that the contents of your phone contain evidence that you broke a law or school rule for them to go digging.

• Say this clearly: “I do not consent to a search of my phone.”

• Let adults handle it. It’s best to first report to your principal and, if necessary, the school board. If the punishment is serious (like expulsion), that’s when it’s time to get a lawyer involved.

Click here to watch the full video →

4. You’re in court. Want to win? Be quiet.

Judge Sarmiento – Former Criminal & Civil Judge

And always, always tell the truth. If the judge thinks you’re lying, you’re done.

Legal Notepad

This was just four of the 10 lawyers I interviewed. You’ll hear from others in the full video, including:

• A car accident lawyer on what not to say at the scene of a crash
  

• A traffic lawyer on how to beat a speeding ticket
  

• A civil litigator on why an LLC is your best business move
  

• A negotiation expert literally going undercover to haggle for a used car
  

• A parking ticket pro
  

• And... me

Click here to watch the full video →

Until next Tuesday, this case is closed.

Speak soon,