Bias and Time Constraints in Legal Recommendations: What Clients Need to Know
In their legal recommendations it is not uncommon for real estate syndication attorneys, amongst others, to suggest only one course of action, even if there may be other legal avenues that could be more appropriate for a given situation. There are several reasons why this may occur.
One reason is that lawyers are often under time constraints and may not have the resources to fully research and explore all potential legal avenues and and are at the same time ethically bound to only give advice in areas that they have deep knowledge in. This can lead to a bottleneck where they focus on the most straightforward or most familiar options, rather than a more comprehensive analysis of the client’s needs and the options that actually exist.
Furthermore, lawyers may be influenced by their own biases and preferences, which can impact their recommendations. For example, an attorney who has a lot of experience litigating cases may be more inclined to suggest litigation as a course of action, even if alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration may be more appropriate in a given situation.
In a society where the legal system is increasingly complex and inaccessible, these factors can create a situation where lawyers are only able to suggest one course of action, rather than a range of options that are more appropriate for the client’s needs. It is important for clients to be proactive in seeking out legal advice that is tailored to their specific needs and goals, and to be willing to challenge their attorneys if they feel that their needs are not being adequately addressed.
This is especially true for real estate sponsors and syndicators who have to deal with securities laws, which are not always well understood by real estate syndication attorneys. It is important for these clients to consult widely and become educated on the matter of law that directly affects them and their business, as well as to ensure that they ask their attorneys informed questions based on a deep knowledge of the subject matter. By doing so, real estate sponsors and syndicators can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their legal options and make informed decisions that are in their best interests, rather than being limited to the one course of action suggested by their attorneys.
Overall, while lawyers play a crucial role in helping their clients navigate the legal landscape, it is important for clients to be aware of the potential limitations and biases that may influence their recommendations. This is especially true when it comes to highly regulated industries such as real estate syndications, where securities laws and other complex regulations can make it challenging for attorneys to fully research and explore all potential legal avenues. By being proactive and seeking out legal advice that is tailored to their specific needs and goals, and by consulting widely and asking informed questions, clients can ensure that they are making informed decisions that are in their best interests, rather than being limited to the one course of action suggested by their attorneys.
Disclaimer: Invown is not a law firm or an attorney and is not qualified to provide legal advice. Any information provided by Invown should be taken as informational and educational in nature and should not be considered as legal advice. Invown is happy to consult with sponsors and offer advice on how to potentially structure a real estate deal, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the sponsor to seek proper legal counsel before entering into any agreements.