LAWYER:  (Noun)  an  individual whose principal role is to protect his clients from other members of his profession.

(The following is a reprint of an article, written by Douglas Holbrook, and published in "Living Better Magazine")
THE LAW: WHY MUST IT BE SO INTIMIDATING?
   -By: Attorney, Douglas Holbrook

We have obviously reached a point in time where the complexity of our society is such that an individual is at a distinct disadvantage without some basic understanding of the law. In spite of this, most people appear to comprehend relatively little about their legal rights and obligations.

There may be any number of reasons why individuals would continually fail to make themselves aware of their legal rights and obligations. There may be those to whom the law appears to be remote, confusing and forbidding. There may be others who simply shy away from the law on the belief that there is no hope of understanding a subject that they perceive as difficult, boring and irrelevant. Certainly, a significant number of individuals find themselves literally intimidated by the mention of law, or lawyers. But whatever the reason, each time an individual fails to know or understand the laws involved, they risk the potential of financial loss as well as personal disappointment.

The reality is that is downright risky not to know what the law can do, both to you, as well as for you. Time and time again, people continue to suffer considerable inconveniences, not to mention, serious financial losses, for no other reason, than they were unaware of their legal rights or responsibilities in a specific situation.

The truth is that the law is really not that mysterious. Most laws, for the most part are based upon reason and common sense. In spite of recent criticisms, the fact is that legal system, under it's present structure, does work. Granted, it may not be perfect, and, without a doubt, mistakes are sometimes made. But the bottom line remains that it is our rule of law that enables a complex society such as ours to function with a maximum of order and a minimum of injustice.