Law and Disorder

"Lawyering up" is another one of those phrases so often used incorrectly that it seems destined to change meaning.

Here's an example:

Miller issued a statement accusing Murkowski of trying to "pull an Al Franken" by lawyering up.

Aside from the smear of Al Franken who legally won a recount, the problem is that the phrase means using a lawyer to avoid telling the cops or prosecutor anything and thus avoid self-incrimination. It doesn't refer to simply hiring Applebomb, Gribbitz and Dooster to represent you in legal matters.