Top Lawyers — toplawyers.io

# Reddit Answer Framework

A template for helpful, ethical replies. This is general guidance, not legal or ethics advice. Check your own bar's rules.

## Before you write

- [ ] I read the community rules, including those on advice, self-promotion and links.
- [ ] I read the whole post and the existing replies.
- [ ] The question is about a jurisdiction where I am licensed, or I will say clearly that I am not speaking to local law.
- [ ] I am using my real account. No alternate accounts, no requests for upvotes.

## Reply structure

**1. Acknowledge.** One sentence showing you understood.
> "That sounds stressful. Here is how this generally works."

**2. Disclose.** State that you are a lawyer and where you practice, when relevant.
> "I'm a lawyer licensed in [state], so I can speak to [state] generally."

**3. Explain the general rule.** Plain language, no jargon. Describe how the process usually works and what the key terms mean.

**4. Say what it depends on.** List the facts that would change the answer. This is honest and useful.

**5. Give practical next steps.** Documents to gather, deadlines to look up, official resources, questions to ask a lawyer.

**6. Close with the disclaimer.**
> "This is general information, not legal advice, and I'm not your lawyer. Laws vary by location and facts, so please speak with a licensed attorney where you live."

## Phrases to use

- "Generally..."
- "In many places..., but check your local rules."
- "It depends on..."
- "A lawyer in your area could review your documents."

## Phrases to avoid

- "You should sue." or "You will win."
- "Message me and I'll take a look."
- "My firm handles this."
- Anything that applies the law to their exact facts.

## Pre-post ethics check

- [ ] Nothing here applies law to the poster's specific facts.
- [ ] I am not inviting private messages about their matter.
- [ ] I am not soliciting, and any mention of my practice is allowed by the community.
- [ ] I considered my state bar's advertising and solicitation rules.
- [ ] I have not disclosed any confidential client information, even in disguised form.

## Keep a record

Save each reply with the date, community and thread link. Once a month, review what drew helpful responses and where you drifted toward advice or promotion.