[asif]

I concede that HN is not the place to solicit legal advice. The level of trust that I was referring to most likely does not exist between users of this site.

Nonetheless, I believe it is incorrect to state that one would be putting one's self in harms way by discussing legal matters with a non-lawyer, as the article implies.

Here's an example: My neighbor has a large tree bordering my yard, from which a branch is hanging over the fence and interfering with my shit. Is it legal for me to chop the branch? Maybe in some jurisdictions, but who knows? Should I call a lawyer right away? Let me see what my wife thinks.

Me: "Hey honey, what should I do about this branch? Should I call a lawyer?"

Honey: "A lawyer?!?!? For God's sake why would you do that? That's just Ethel's tree. Just cut the damn thing down."

-- or --

"Umm, Johnny Cochrane, Jr. lives there. Call five lawyers."

[raganwald]

I agree that you are not putting yourself in harm's way by discussing legal matters with non-lawyers, even HN non-lawyers.

I have often discussed legal matters with experienced businesspeople and investors. Of course, when the conversation turns to "Ok, what is the next action step?" the consensus is nearly always "Talk to a lawyer" :-)

[mattmaroon]

You don't put yourself in harm's way as long as you realize that what you are giving or getting is not a substitute for legal advice. Unfortunately most people tend to forget that very easily, as humans are often misled by confident, and often confident that they know more than they do.

[raganwald]

Exactly. One should always differentiate "legal advice" from "advice about a legal matter."

[donw]

Perhaps you should try shitting indoors.

(Sorry, it was there, I had to...)

[briancooley]

You are taking Matt's advice out of context. No one is asking HN about cutting a tree branch.

When you consider the legal questions that are asked, his advice seems very sound.