When Lawyers are Our Clients: The Ups and the Downs

When Lawyers are Our Clients: The Ups and the Downs

Residential and commercial appraisers should consider litigation 2-Hour CE

By Sandra K. Adomatis, SRA

When are lawyers our clients? (REMEMBER: they are our clients and not “our lawyers!”)

• When we are testifying experts – 20 minutes (Litigation; Arbitration; Administrative hearings)
• When we are consulting experts – 30 minutes  (In litigation; When lawyers are drafting agreements that involve real estate value issues)

The engagement letter is the first opportunity to limit the downs – 20 minutes

• How to charge
• How to ensure payment
• Sample litigation engagement letter on AI website

Control the push-pull in developing and reporting opinions – 30 minutes

• Inherent conflict: appraisers are required to be independent, lawyers required to be advocates for their clients’ positions
• Stand your ground – lawyers put their pants on one leg at a time (OK, we can clean that up)

Expand your practice by having lawyers as your clients – 20 minutes

• What is your experience?