How To Choose The Right Lawyer
The most critical factors in choosing the right attorney are experience
, qualifications, and reputation. There are many sources of information about lawyers: the Internet, advertisements, friends, other lawyers, etc. However, while each of those can be helpful and informative, the single best way to find out if an attorney is right for you is to talk to the lawyer in person.
Most lawyers will speak with you on the telephone or in person at no charge to answer basic questions before formal legal representation begins. This process is important because it allows you to determine whether you like and trust the lawyer and it permits the attorney to decide whether he wants to handle your case.
Do not hesitate to interview your attorney. Show the lawyer you take your case as seriously as he does. Ask provocative, direct questions. Demand straight answers. Consider the information you obtain, and go with your instincts. It is important to be both comfortable with and confident in your lawyer.
These questions will help you make an informed decision:
EXPERIENCE
Don't just ask how many years the attorney has practiced law; inquire about what he has been doing all those years. Quality is as important as quantity when it comes to experience. For example, if you need an injury lawyer, ask the attorney how many similar injury cases he has handled, how many of those cases went to trial, what results has he achieved in those cases, etc. If your case is criminal in nature, ask whether the lawyer has worked as a prosecutor, with other law enforcement agencies, or for the judiciary.
QUALIFICATIONS
Begin with questions about education and training. Next, cover prior work history and related accomplishments. Where did the lawyer go to school? What were his grades? Has he continued his education in the specialized fields applicable to your case? Has he taught or trained others in his area of expertise? Is the lawyer active with any law journals, bar associations, or professional groups? Has he published any relevant books, articles, columns, etc.?
REPUTATION
This aspect is hardest to assess, but nevertheless extremely important. If you have contact with judges or other lawyers, bluntly ask them what they think of the attorney in question. If not (most of us do not have judge/lawyer friends), start by asking the attorney if he has ever been disciplined by the bar. Also ask the lawyer to furnish his Martindale-Hubbell client and peer ratings and Avvo.com rating. You should want a highly rated lawyer recognized by clients, judges, and lawyers alike as having achieved the height of professional excellence in legal ability and ethical standards.
If you conduct a thorough attorney-client interview focusing on the lawyer's experience, qualifications, and professional reputation, your chances of choosing the right lawyer for your case will skyrocket.
*** *** ***
Disclaimer: The material contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation of legal services. You should not act upon the information presented without seeking professional counsel. Each case is different. The author does not and cannot warrant or guarantee the outcome of any case. Reading this article does not give rise to an attorney-client relationship. Absent an express written agreement between you and the author, no attorney-client relationship will be established.
by: Parker Layrisson
The Many Benefits Of Acupuncture Exactement Pourquoi Nos Jeunes Se Doivent De Sunshine Moins Difficile Air Filter For Parrots----5 Things To Know Before Deciding Lithium Batteries Tips To Make Your Laptop Lasts Longer Want To Live Happily Ever After? Stop Smoking! Does Smoking Damage The Heart? 5 Reason Why You Need To Stop Smoking Tantalum Ore Processing Plant Zenith Corporation How Can People Quit Cigarettes In 60 Minutes? The Present Scenario Is That The Dark Night Unaware To Sustain The Twice Debuff These Fundraisers Should Bring In Money Jaw Crusher Towards The Scale Professional Raymond Mill To Make Fly Ash To Be Fully Utilized