Washington condominium and homeowners association boards face the constant temptation to rely on legal blog posts rather than paid advice from attorneys. They should resist that pernicious pull.
Attorneys' blog posts are not legal advice, nor are they intended to be. They provide (at most) a general overview of a subject or issue, and this almost always fails to reflect the complexities encountered when applying legal rules and their many exceptions in specific situations. Without additional guidance from attorneys, relying on information contained in blog posts often leads to boards misinterpreting that information and reaching incorrect conclusions. Subsequent events can also render blog posts obsolete in some or all respects.
As the adage goes, those who represent themselves in legal matters have fools for clients. Washington community association boards should establish relationships with attorneys who focus their practices on community association law and who diligently stay abreast of current developments in that area. Such attorneys can help them comply with their legal obligations and minimize legal problems when they arise. As Benjamin Franklin advised about fire safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Attorneys' blog posts are not legal advice, nor are they intended to be. They provide (at most) a general overview of a subject or issue, and this almost always fails to reflect the complexities encountered when applying legal rules and their many exceptions in specific situations. Without additional guidance from attorneys, relying on information contained in blog posts often leads to boards misinterpreting that information and reaching incorrect conclusions. Subsequent events can also render blog posts obsolete in some or all respects.
As the adage goes, those who represent themselves in legal matters have fools for clients. Washington community association boards should establish relationships with attorneys who focus their practices on community association law and who diligently stay abreast of current developments in that area. Such attorneys can help them comply with their legal obligations and minimize legal problems when they arise. As Benjamin Franklin advised about fire safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
