Josh Camson

via The Daily What

New website CareerExcuses.com allows people to fill their resume with fake information. The website will give you an 800 number, e-mail address, and contact person to list as a reference. Whenever someone calls the number, a live operator will answer, and can take a message. Quite elaborate! They even offer some legal advice:

Is misinformation on a resume illegal?
No, Since a resume is not a legal document, it is not illegal to misrepresent on a resume.

While it may not be illegal, it is certainly unethical, so that’s why today’s legal ethics tip is: don’t fabricate your job history.

via David Bilinsky

I stumbled onto a new website called Overheardincourt.com today. It is comedic gold for any lawyer or law student. Just a few favorites:

The Judge: Have you got a lawyer?
Defendant: No, sir.
The Judge: Do you want a lawyer to defend you?
Defendant: Not really, sir.
The Judge: Well, what do you propose to do about the criminal case against you?
Defendant: Well, as far as I’m concerned, I’m willing to drop the case entirely.
“Let’s Just All Move Along”

Judge: In accordance with the jury’s verdict, I sentence you to 3,756 years.
Defendant: Judge, how can I possibly do that much time?
Judge: Just do the best you can.
“How Can I Possibly”

(Witness being questioned)
Q: So you thought that it would be better to stay away, right?
Objection your honor! Leading.
Judge: Overruled.
Atty: So does that mean I can go on?
“No Courtroom Language Please!”

I recently took a class on National Security Law. A very important point made in the class was the importance of clarity. Euphemisms muddy the waters and make your intent less clear. The rule holds true in legal writing, oral advocacy, and general conversation. The more clear and direct you are, the more responsive people will be to what you say. This great piece of advise is illustrated in the video below:

Via XKCD