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Legal Lessons from Loaf: I Would Do Anything for Love, But ...

By Robyn Hagan Cain on January 25, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Say what you will about Meat Loaf, but the guy has imparted his fair share of lyrical wisdom over the years. (And he had a small role in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Respect.)

Legal types may be quick to dismiss Meat Loaf because he never waxed poetically about prenuptial agreements or search and seizure, but the guy could teach us all a thing or two about boundaries.

For example ...

Let's say a loved one asks you to participate in shenanigans that could get you disbarred. Ask yourself: What would Meat Loaf do? Oh, right. I would do anything for love, but I won't do that.

Clearly, we wouldn't be discussing this unless some poor soul failed to heed the Loaf, so let's turn to the cautionary tale.

In 2011, Oklahoma News 9 reported that attorney Amy McTeer helped her boyfriend, Roy Kuykendall, escape from jail. Within a few hours of his reclaimed freedom, she reportedly posted photos of the happy pair on Facebook. Less than a day later, Oklahoma City police found Kuykendall having lunch in a restaurant with McTeer. Police say that McTeer lied about Kuykendall's identity.

Harboring a fugitive. Lying to the cops. That type of behavior will land you in trouble with the bar. So McTeer voluntarily resigned. (She also faced charges of public intoxication, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia, reports KFOR.)

Last week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court approved her resignation. (Brief thanks, Legal Profession Blog.)

McTeer seems to have a history of making bad decisions, but you can avoid similar mistakes by heeding a few Meat Loaf lyrics.

If your criminally-minded parent questions your filial loyalty because you refuse to participate in a harebrained scheme, just remind him, For crying out loud, you know I love you. If your significant other asks you to perjure yourself, tell her, I want you, I need you, but there's ain't no way I'm ever gonna ... lie for you. (Hey -- two out of three ain't bad!) Unsure of whether your brother's investment plan might lead to jail time? Let me sleep on it, and I'll give you my answer in the morning.

You worked hard to finish law school and pass the bar. You've invested a lot of time and money in your career. Don't let poor choices ruin that now, even if it means letting down someone you love. Channel your inner Meat Loaf, and keep your license.

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