You could CC a lawyer’s email if you want to add some theatrical flair, but the real power move is in the perception of legal escalation, not an actual inbox ping to JohnSmith@law.com. The letter itself, dripping with "I know my rights" energy—is what gets people moving.
That said, if you do have a lawyer friend willing to play along, CC’ing them can add some weight. But most of the time, just sending a firm, well-written demand letter does the trick—no expensive legal cameos required.
do you really even need the lawyer friend? The email might bounce but they won't see the bounce only you will. Think of a better name than JohnSmith of course, and you need to use a real lawyer domain so if they goto www.whatipicked.com its real. But does this get you into more trouble with that actual firm? You say the cc isn't needed but I feel like it really puts your letter in another category all together. The category of "oh boy, he got a lawyer, just give up."
That said, if you do have a lawyer friend willing to play along, CC’ing them can add some weight. But most of the time, just sending a firm, well-written demand letter does the trick—no expensive legal cameos required.