Tim Elliott
Hello and welcome to Lawgical. Wherever you’re listening from, this is the regular weekly podcast from the Dubai-based law firm Yamalova & Plewka, the Gulf region’s first and only legal podcast. I’m Tim Elliott, speaking from the firm’s office in Reef Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, with the firm’s Managing Partner, Ludmila Yamalova. Ludmila, always good to see you.
Ludmila Yamalova
Always a pleasure to see you too, Tim.
Tim Elliott
Lawgical is a chance to talk about legal questions, particularly those relevant to the United Arab Emirates. Of course, wherever you are, you’re welcome to get in touch for legal answers via lylawyers.com. In this special three-part edition, we’re asking: when should you consult a lawyer? This discussion will consider why and when it’s important to review legal documentation with a professional, and how investing in legal assistance can be crucial. Let’s start with part one. Ludmila, why is it worth investing in a lawyer?
Ludmila Yamalova
One reason is to prevent problems before they occur, as opposed to handling damage control after an issue has arisen. Most of the time, problems stem from mismatched expectations or misunderstandings because parties didn’t seek proper legal advice before entering into a transaction. Consulting a lawyer beforehand can save significant trouble and expense later on.
Tim Elliott
It’s not just about waiting for the last resort, is it? A relationship with a lawyer should ideally be ongoing—common sense, joined-up thinking.
Ludmila Yamalova
Exactly. Having an ongoing relationship doesn’t mean consulting a lawyer all the time. It’s about knowing when to seek professional advice to avoid issues that might lead to costly damage control later. Often, people say, “Thank goodness I haven’t needed a lawyer.” They see legal services as something they’ll only need if a problem arises. But consulting a lawyer early is often more economical than dealing with issues after they’ve developed.
Tim Elliott
Legal fees have a stereotype of being high and snowballing as problems grow. Would you say that seeking early legal advice is an investment?
Ludmila Yamalova
Absolutely. It’s ironic that people prioritize spending on entertainment or dining but hesitate to allocate a fraction of that for professional advice, whether it’s from a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor. Often, it’s only after a problem arises that they realize the importance of early intervention.
Tim Elliott
What about people who don’t see the point of legal advice, even if they can afford it? How do you convince them?
Ludmila Yamalova
You can’t force someone to take advice—they must make that decision for themselves. What we can do is provide pragmatic guidance and share real-life examples of what happens when legal advice is ignored. Sadly, we often hear clients say, “If only I had listened to you earlier.” One tragic example involved a young couple with significant assets in the UAE. Despite our advice, they didn’t create wills. When the wife passed away suddenly, the lack of a will made inheritance proceedings much more complex and costly for the husband.
Tim Elliott
That’s an important point. Many issues could be avoided with early legal advice. Let’s move to part two: preemptive or preventive measures. When exactly should someone consult a lawyer?
Ludmila Yamalova
The best time to seek legal advice is before signing anything significant. For example, in employment matters, employees often rush to sign agreements without understanding their implications. Employers, too, sometimes act without proper guidance, which can lead to disputes.
Tim Elliott
It’s rare for someone to consult a lawyer before signing an employment contract. I didn’t have mine reviewed. Do people ever approach you for this?
Ludmila Yamalova
Almost never. Most people sign employment contracts without seeking legal advice, despite the significant impact these agreements can have on their lives. One exception involved a doctor moving to the UAE who consulted us before signing. As a result, he was better prepared to negotiate key terms and align his expectations.
Tim Elliott
The lesson is clear: don’t go into situations blind. Take advice to avoid complications.
Ludmila Yamalova
Exactly. One common example in employment contracts is the expectation of relocation costs. Employees often assume their company will cover shipping their belongings back home, but this isn’t provided for by law unless explicitly stated in the contract. Without legal advice, these oversights can lead to disputes.
Tim Elliott
Let’s move on to part three: the times when you absolutely need to consult a lawyer. Most people wait until there’s already an issue, especially with contracts like tenancy agreements or property purchases.
Ludmila Yamalova
That’s correct. For example, landlords and tenants often dispute deposits because lease agreements rarely specify the conditions under which deposits should be returned. Clear legal advice beforehand could save both parties from these disputes.
Tim Elliott
Property purchases are another area where legal oversight is often neglected.
Ludmila Yamalova
Absolutely. Buyers often sign sales agreements and issue deposit checks without consulting a lawyer. These deposits can become contentious if the transaction doesn’t proceed. Seeking legal advice before signing can help avoid such pitfalls.
Tim Elliott
To summarize, when should someone consult a lawyer?
Ludmila Yamalova
The simple answer is: before signing anything significant, whether it’s a legal document, a check, or parting with money.
Tim Elliott
Ludmila Yamalova, Managing Partner of Yamalova & Plewka, thank you for your expertise.
Ludmila Yamalova
Always a pleasure, Tim.
Tim Elliott
That’s another edition of Lawgical. This time, discussing when to consult a lawyer. For legal consultations, visit lylawyers.com or WhatsApp at +971 52 525 1611. Let us know your thoughts or legal questions for future episodes.
