Do you think the lawyer was gullible? How could he have avoided being taken for a ride?

There is no doubt that the lawyer was gullible. On reaching New Mullion, he informed Bill of the purpose of his visit even though he didn’t know him in person. Lutkins took advantage of this weakness of his and tricked him into a plot. He introduced himself as Bill and offered him help. He misguided the lawyer the entire day and drove him around in lieu of money.

The lawyer could have avoided being taken for a ride had he behaved as lawyers are supposed to do: with wits and tricks. Initially, he should have enquired about Lutkins. He should not have informed any random person about his purpose of visit.