Channel Title: Matthew Harris Law, PLLC Channel Description: I want to teach you the law because an educated society is a FREE society. But learning doesn't have to be complicated. As attorneys, we are sworn Officers of the Court who possess vast knowledge about the legal process and our justice system. The purpose of this channel is to share some of this information with the public for the greater good. Hopefully our channel creates conversation and dialogue, and encourages the spread of ideas to promote justice to all. MHL is a Veteran Owned/Led law firm in West Texas. Matthew Harris, Esq., was a SSgt in the USAF as a member of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and is a former Reserve Police Officer. MHL was founded in 2011 and handles civil, business, family, and estate cases. **Legal Disclaimers** --This channel is NOT an advertisement for our services. --Watching our channel does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. --You should NOT rely on information found on YouTube to make legal decisions. Hire an attorney! 😁 <video> Is your Lawyer CHEATING you? 3 red flags to look for 🚩 Description: 3 ways Lawyers get clients to agree to pay unnecessary fees. Here's how to spot their unethical "tricks." Chapters: 00:00 – How Lawyers Cheat Clients 00:26 – Quarter-Hour Billing 02:04 – Unclear Flat-fee Billing 03:51 – Minimum Appearance Fees 05:29 – Extra Tip! Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @Matthew_Harris_Law Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ You’re getting cheated. Even worse, you’re getting cheated by your own attorney. You’re getting cheated by the one person who was entrusted with all of your secrets. Unfortunately, you won’t even realize you’re being cheated and it’s going to cost you THOUSANDS of dollars. As an attorney, I often testify in Court about what are (and aren’t) reasonable attorney’s fees. Do you know what to watch out for so you can stop the bleeding? Or do you want to keep getting cheated? Quarter-Hour Billing Quarter-hour billing is one way that attorneys cheat their clients. Under this approach, lawyers bill in 15-minute increments, regardless of the actual time spent on a task. While this method is convenient for tracking time, it can lead to situations where clients pay substantially more time than the attorney actually worked. For example, if an attorney reads an email or returns a brief call that takes only a couple of minutes, they may bill for a full 15-minute increment. If the attorney is billing at $300 per hour, then that 5-minute phone call costs you $75. When multiplied across many brief tasks, you may end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for time that wasn’t actually spent working. An even more concerning practice occurs when attorneys combine multiple short tasks and round each one up to the nearest quarter-hour. For instance, suppose a lawyer spends three minutes reading an email, 2 minutes drafting a quick response, and then five minutes on a follow-up phone call. Although these tasks collectively took ten minutes, the quarter-hour billing approach would allow the attorney to bill 15 minutes for each task. That results in you paying for 45 minutes of work that only took 10 minutes. This practice, which I think is both unethical and manipulative, can significantly increase your bill. The industry standard is tenth of an hour increments, not quarter-hour increments. Tenth of an hour billing is 6-minute increments, not fifteen, which allows for more refinement. If you’re considering an attorney who charges in quarter-hour increments, then RUN! This is a crooked attorney who will leave you and your family broke! Unclear Flat-Fee Billing Flat-fee billing is meant to simplify legal costs. It is meant to provide you, the client, with a clear amount upfront for legal services. I mean, what client doesn’t want to know the exact amount of legal fees before hiring an attorney? And what attorney doesn’t want to guarantee payment up front? Unfortunately, some attorneys exploit the ambiguity that can accompany flat fee arrangements. When the scope of work is not clearly defined, you may end up paying for services you don’t need, or you may find yourself facing additional charges when the flat fee turns out to cover far less than you expected. For example, if an attorney quotes a flat fee for handling a divorce case, you may assume that this fee covers everything from filing the paperwork to representing you in court at the final hearing. However, without a clearly written outline of what the flat fee includes, you may later realize that court appearances, discovery, complex negotiations, or filing certain motions incur additional charges. In cases like these, you may end up paying far more than you initially budgeted. Additionally, some attorneys may impose a flat fee without adjusting for cases that are resolved quickly. That results in you paying ridiculously more than you would have under an hourly billing arrangement. To avoid getting cheated by your attorney, you should ask for a detailed, written breakdown of what the flat fee covers, and make sure your attorney signs it. This Fee Agreement should specify any potential additional fees and clarify whether adjustments will be made if the case is resolved faster than expected. This is best done by outlining the flat fee the attorney will be paid at each stage of the case and defining what those stages are. If you’re considering an attorney who won’t put this in writing, you should get up and WALK AWAY! Minimum Appearance Fees Minimum appearance fees are another deceptive practice that attorneys use to cheat clients. This type of fee is often charged for court appearances, depositions, or meetings, where attorneys bill you a minimum amount regardless of the time actually spent. For instance, if an attorney has a minimum appearance fee of two hours for any hearing, but only spends 30 minutes in court.... Music: Warzone – Anno Domini Beats Music provided via YouTube Studio Audio Library </video> <video> 4 Proven Negotiation Techniques Straight From Top Lawyers Description: Lawyers know that humans are psychologically wired to give in to certain types of negotiation strategies. If you want to negotiate like lawyer, or if you don’t want to get taken advantage of, then you MUST learn these 4 negotiation techniques. Chapters: 00:00 – Using Psychology to WIN Negotiations 00:20 – Reciprocity – Invest in Winning 01:26 – Commitment and Consistency 02:55 – Social Proof – Let Others Back You Up 04:11 – Scarcity – Get it while you can 05:38 – Your next Negotiation Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @Matthew_Harris_Law Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ You’re not very good at negotiating, but you can become a master negotiator like a seasoned attorney! There are 4 key psychological strategies that are guaranteed to give you the edge. Whether you're negotiating a business deal, a salary, or a personal agreement, these winning strategies will help you achieve your goals and come out on top. Reciprocity – Invest in Winning The first principle is Reciprocity. Reciprocity works on the idea that people feel compelled to return favors. But how does this work in negotiations? Example in Practice: Start by offering something of value. This could be information, a concession, or even a small gesture of goodwill that benefits the other party. For instance, offer food, drink, or even just a stick of gum at the outset. In a legal setting, you might provide a draft agreement with some terms that are favorable to them or a heads-up on an area you’re flexible with. This way, you initiate a give-and-take dynamic, encouraging them to reciprocate when it’s time to compromise; especially when it comes to those areas that truly care about. Why It Works: Reciprocity taps into a social norm that most people feel obligated to follow. This principle is especially helpful when you’re at an impasse or need a bit of goodwill to move the negotiation forward. Remember, though, the key is to offer something genuine. Empty gestures can backfire, but if your goodwill is genuine, you’ll find that the other party is more willing to meet you halfway, making the whole process more collaborative. Commitment and Consistency Once people make a commitment—big or small—they’re psychologically inclined to stick to it to maintain consistency. They don’t mean to do it, but they can’t help it! You can use this principle by getting the other party to agree to small points before moving on to bigger issues. Example in Practice: Imagine you’re negotiating the sale of a car privately through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, start by getting the buyer to agree on smaller aspects first. For instance, ask if they like the car’s color, interior, fuel efficiency, or safety features. Something. ANYTHING! Once they agree on some of these smaller elements, they’re subconsciously committing to the car itself. You could say, “Since you’ve mentioned you love the color and the fuel efficiency is ideal, this car is really a perfect match for you.” By getting the buyer to commit to these details, they’re more likely to feel consistent with their initial preferences and agree to a higher price. On the flip side, if you’re negotiating the purchase of a car from a dealership, beware of these tactics that they’re likely to use on you. Why It Works: Humans tend to want to be seen as consistent, especially if they’ve already voiced agreement. This method helps build a framework of agreed-upon terms that can reinforce your arguments on the more complex issues. When people feel they’ve already said “yes” to part of your position, they’re psychologically more likely to support the rest. The goal here isn’t manipulation; it’s about creating a foundation of trust. By aligning on smaller points, you pave the way for smoother, more collaborative negotiations on the larger items. Social Proof – Let Others Back You Up Social Proof leverages the power of influence from others. People tend to look to others to validate their choices, especially in uncertain situations. Remember, people feel safer in the herd. This can be invaluable in negotiations when peer pressure might get the job done. Example in Practice: When negotiating a pay raise, you can use social proof by referencing similar positions within the company or industry benchmarks. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed that other teachers with similar roles and responsibilities are paid at a higher rate. Based on my experience and contributions, I should be paid similarly.” By showing that others in comparable positions receive higher pay, you’re providing validation for your request. This creates a precedent, making your request feel reasonable and well-supported, while subtly implying that aligning with industry or company standards is fair. Why It Works: Social proof taps into a powerful psychological.. Music: Anno Domini Beats – Warzone Music provided via YouTube Studio Audio Library </video> <video> How to LEGALLY stop Daylight Savings Time! Description: Are you tired of changing your clocks? We “spring forward and fall back” every year thanks to a stupid law. The "Uniform Time Act of 1966" was originally intended to conserve energy and make better use of daylight. However, the minimal energy savings no longer justify the inconvenience, especially given its negative impact on health, productivity, and safety. But did you know that States can pass laws to opt out? Arizona and Hawaii did. If you’re tired of it too, then contact your Legislator because they want to know… Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @MatthewHarrisLaw Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ </video> <video> Parental Alienation Explained: What It Is and How to Fight It Description: There's a special place in Hell for parents who poison the relationship between their child and the other parent. Let's explore how Parental Alienation works and how to address it. Parental Alienation is where one parent intentionally turns the child against the other parent during or after a divorce or breakup. Children can be manipulated by negative comments, false accusations, and brainwashing tactics, often leading to strained or broken relationships with the alienated parent. Chapters: 00:00 – Parental Alienation 00:36 – What is (and isn’t) Parental Alienation 02:37 – Recognizing the Signs of Alienation 04:29 – Fighting Parental Alienation 06:23 – Preparing for Battle Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @MatthewHarrisLaw Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ Imagine being pushed away by your own child. Oh, is that already happening? Do you feel like your ex is manipulating your kid against you? Breakups often create a toxic environment where one parent intentionally (or unintentionally) turns the child against the other parent. This is called “parental alienation.” As a 13 year family law attorney, I deal with this nearly everyday. If you know how to recognize the signs of parental alienation, you’ll be able to protect your kids and save your relationship. If you don’t put a stop to it, parental alienation can have long-term, devastating effects on your child and your relationship with them. What is (and isn’t) Parental Alienation Parental alienation happens when one parent undermines the relationship between their child and the other parent. This can occur in subtle ways or through outright manipulation. It’s often the result of unresolved anger, resentment, or fear, where one parent may be trying to "win" their child's loyalty or “punish” the other parent. But here’s the critical thing to understand: parental alienation isn’t just about the conflict between you and your ex, it deeply harms your child. You know what they say, when elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. When children are caught in the middle, they are forced to navigate confusing, and often harmful, emotions. They might feel pressured to choose sides or believe false narratives about one of their parents. So, how does this happen? There are many ways parental alienation manifests, including: Bad-mouthing the other parent: This is when one parent constantly criticizes the other parent in front of the child, makes negative comments, or paints the other parent as the "bad guy." Undermining the parent-child relationship: The alienating parent might question the child’s desire to spend time with the other parent or suggest that the child is unsafe or unloved while in their care. Gaslighting or distorting reality: One parent might make false claims about the other parent, rewrite the past, or make the child believe that certain events happened when they actually didn’t. Encouraging the child to take sides: A parent might subtly push the child to choose them over the other parent, framing it as a loyalty test or suggesting that loving both parents equally is impossible. The result? The child’s natural bond with one parent is fractured, and they are often left feeling confused, conflicted, and deeply hurt. Sometimes, parents may do this unintentionally with an offhand comment. You may even have just realized that you’ve done some of these actions yourself. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to know exactly what’s going on in the other parent’s household. However, when the other parent initiates a campaign of alienation, there are telltale signs in your child’s behavior if you know how to spot them. Recognizing the Signs of Alienation The next step is recognizing the signs that parental alienation might be happening. This can be tricky because the signs are not always obvious. Children caught in the middle of parental conflict may not directly voice their discomfort or confusion, but their behavior can speak volumes. Here are some of the warning signs that you should look out for: Sudden Hostility or Rejection: If your child begins to show sudden and extreme hostility toward you, refuses to see or speak to you, or rejects you without a clear reason, this can be a sign of alienation. Often, the child’s reasons for their anger don’t seem to align with reality, and they might even sound like they’re acting out lines from a script. Parroting Negative Comments: Children repeating almost verbatim criticisms or negative opinions about one parent is another red flag. It’s normal for kids to have disagreements with parents, but when their language or reasoning feels unnatural or rehearsed, this could be the result of manipulation. Unjustified Fear or Anxiety: If your child suddenly expresses fear or anxiety about being around you, but there’s no... Music: Anno Domini Beats - God Fury Music provided via YouTube Studio Audio Library </video> <video> Winning Arguments 101: Persuasion Strategies That WIN Every Time Description: You already learned How to Argue Like a Lawyer using our 4-step Formula, but now you want our ADVANCED arguing techniques. Don’t just argue, learn to argue like a LAWYER. https://youtu.be/ZWS_7BqKb7A Chapters: 00:00 – The Rhetorical Triangle 00:38 – Building Credibility (Ethos) 01:47 – Strategic Use of Logic (Logos) 03:06 – Emotional Appeal (Pathos) 04:18 – Persuasive Structuring 05:22 – Your Next Argument Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @Matthew_Harris_Law Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ I’m a trial attorney and have argued at thousands of trials and hearings over my 13-year career. If you can understand these advanced argument techniques that I’m about to share, you’ll be able to argue like me. You WANT to argue like me because then you’re more likely to get exactly what you want in any argument you make. Do you see what I just did there? In those 20 seconds, I used a very simple 3-part argument formula known as the Rhetorical Triangle; Ethos, Logos, and Pathos. The Rhetorical Triangle is an ancient argument technique created by Aristotle in 300 BC, and I’m going to explain how lawyers use it every day, and you can too. I just did it again! Building Credibility (Ethos) Credibility, or ethos, is the foundation of any persuasive argument. This is the first side of our Rhetorical Triangle. If your audience doesn’t trust you, they’re unlikely to be convinced by your argument, no matter how logical or emotional it may be. Establishing credibility involves demonstrating your expertise, honesty, and integrity. Here are the key techniques that you need to apply when you’re making your own advanced arguments: Highlight your qualifications, experience, and knowledge relevant to the argument. Showing how you have previously dealt with a similar circumstance will prove your credibility. Maintain consistency in your statements and actions. If you contradict yourself, your credibility can quickly erode. Be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your argument. Acknowledging counterarguments and addressing them head-on can enhance your trustworthiness. Let’s look back at the beginning of this video. Did you spot the ethos in my opening? By explaining that I’m a 13-year trial attorney with thousands of court arguments worth of experience, I demonstrated my credibility in arguing. How do you establish your credibility when making your arguments? Tell me about your “ethos” in the comments. I’m curious to know what kind of experts we have here. Strategic Use of Logic (Logos) Logic, or logos, is the backbone of a compelling argument. This is the second side of our Rhetorical Triangle. Advanced argumentative techniques often involve using logical structures that are not only sound but also strategically deployed to guide the audience through your reasoning. Start with a general principle and apply it to a specific case. For example, “All people have the right to free speech. My client is a person; therefore, my client has the right to free speech.” Begin with specific evidence and draw a general conclusion. This is particularly useful in cases where you need to establish a pattern or trend. For example, "After observing that the sun has risen in the east every day for the past week, we can conclude that the sun always rises in the east." Draw a comparison between two different things or situations based on their shared similarities to make an argument or inference. For example, "Just as a car needs regular maintenance to run smoothly, the human body requires proper care to stay healthy." Let’s look back at the beginning of this video. Did you spot the Lagos in my opening? I explained that with your mastery of these advanced argument techniques, you’ll be able to argue like me (an attorney). Logically, if you want to be an expert at arguing, then you want to be as good as a lawyer. When you’re crafting your argument, be very clear with your logical message because this is how you guide your audience towards your intended goal. Emotional Appeal (Pathos) While logic and credibility are vital, never underestimate the power of emotion in an argument. Emotional appeal, pathos, is the third and final side of our Rhetorical Triangle. Emotions can be a driving force in decision-making, and your skillful use of pathos can make your argument more compelling. Use narratives to make your argument more relatable and impactful. A well-told story can evoke emotions that facts and figures alone cannot. Haven’t we all been captivated by a personal story from someone? Identify and use emotional triggers that resonate with your audience’s values and experiences. Weave in an appeal to their sense of empathy, fairness, or desire to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Also, don’t ignore the less noble emotional triggers in... Music: Lifelong – Anno Domini Beats Music provided via YouTube Studio Audio Library </video> <video> How Courts treat Unconstitutional Laws Description: Did you know that courts MUST strike down laws and actions that violate the U.S. Constitution? As the supreme law of the land, the Constitution requires all laws and government actions to comply with its principles. When they conflict with the Constitution, courts are obligated to invalidate them. This ensures that the rule of law prevails and constitutional rights are upheld. However, </video> <video> This Constitutional Right is DENIED to Corporations Description: Believe it or not, you can be forced, against your will, to testify against yourself in a criminal case. In fact, you can even be forced to provide documents that lead to your criminal conviction. BUT, that’s only if you’re a Corporation. You see, Corporations enjoy many of the same constitutional protections as everyday citizens. However, the 5th Amendment protection against self incrimination. </video> <video> What's the FASTEST you can (legally) drive in the USA? Description: Do you know the MAXIMUM speed that you can LEGALLY drive on a U.S. road? The highest posted speed limit in the U.S. is 85 miles per hour (that 137 kilometers per hour) and can be found on Texas State Highway 130. Multiple other states have 80 mph speed limits, but none as fast as Texas. What’s the fastest YOU’VE ever driven? </video> <video> Why parents REALLY use Therapists in custody cases Description: Some parents send their children to counselors to say the things they want them to say and then pay the Counselor to come and repeat those statements at trial. And that’s why Counselors are treated like highly paid hearsay machines. When you go to trial, you can’t repeat everything your child said because what the child said outside of court is hearsay. However, there is an exception to the hearsay rule for Statements Made for Medical Diagnosis or Treatment. </video> <video> False reports may lead to HUGE defamation lawsuit (1st Amendment Breakdown) Description: In the rush to identify the man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump on July 13, 2024, one man's name immediately emerged. "Mark Violets," an antifa member, was reported to have been arrested at the scene by Butler Police. The downside? This was false, and the man identified was "Marco Violi," who wasn't even in the United States that day. #Trump #TrumpShooter #Trending Want to know more about Court Procedure? We have other videos: https://youtu.be/dB-LK8t_xuM https://youtu.be/nSWI2ZMo1iQ https://youtu.be/ZWS_7BqKb7A Also find our content on: Facebook.com/MatthewHarrisLaw Instagram - @Matthew_Harris_Law Google Maps – https://g.page/MatthewHarrisLaw Website - https://matthewharrislaw.com/ </video> <video> Deadly Force to stop a Thief? YES, but only under THESE conditions. Description: You’re familiar with the Castle Doctrine, which allows deadly force to be used to protect yourself from harm. However in Texas you can actually use deadly force to prevent someone from fleeing with stolen property. But, this only applies if you reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to prevent someone who is fleeing immediately after committing burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property, AND that the property can't be recovered by any other means or that use of less than deadly force would expose the person to serious bodily injury. </video> <video> How to Limit & STOP Police Searches Description: If you give consent for police to search your home or car, can you later withdraw that consent? YES! You can withdraw your consent at any time during the search, and the police must stop searching immediately. You can also limit the scope of any consent (as in, “you can only search the living room” or “you can search the car, but NOT the console or glovebox”). If you limit the scope of consent, the police cannot exceed the scope of the consent given. Let me ask though, Would YOU consent to searches? </video> <video> What is a Legal Tort? A Tort can cost you a A LOT of money. Description: Do you know what a legal “Tort” is? In this context, it’s not the food. “Torts” are civil wrongs that result in legal liability, typically leading to a lawsuit for damages. Assault, battery, and negligence are types of legal Torts. A Torte (note the e) is a multi-layered cake that's often covered in frosting and filled with fruit or jam. I don’t know about you, but I much prefer a Torte to a Tort. </video> <video> Want to Carry Confidently? THIS is Why You Need a Holster Description: Texas is a Constitutional Carry State, which means that individuals aged 21 and older can carry handguns without a permit, as long as they are not prohibited from owning firearms. No longer do you need a License to Carry for open or concealed carry. However, certain restrictions remain in place, such as carrying in prohibited places like schools among others. However, if you are open carrying, you can’t just tuck your handgun in your waistband because it MUST be in a holster. This is important because… </video> <video> 8-Year-Old CAN Consent to Search Parent's House?! Description: If you have kids, then you need to know that even minor children can consent to the police searching your home. That’s right. Courts have held that children as young as 8 years old have the authority and capacity to consent to a warrantless search when they live in and have unrestricted access to the property. However, the minor child cannot consent to the search of an area that they do not have access to like locked rooms, safes, etc. Have you explained to your minor child the importance of not consenting to searches? </video>

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Description

I want to teach you the law because an educated society is a FREE society. But learning doesn't have to be complicated.

As attorneys, we are sworn Officers of the Court who possess vast knowledge about the legal process and our justice system. The purpose of this channel is to share some of this information with the public for the greater good. Hopefully our channel creates conversation and dialogue, and encourages the spread of ideas to promote justice to all.

MHL is a Veteran Owned/Led law firm in West Texas. Matthew Harris, Esq., was a SSgt in the USAF as a member of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and is a former Reserve Police Officer. MHL was founded in 2011 and handles civil, business, family, and estate cases.

**Legal Disclaimers**
--This channel is NOT an advertisement for our services.
--Watching our channel does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.
--You should NOT rely on information found on YouTube to make legal decisions. Hire an attorney! 😁

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