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 What distinguishes me and my practice is the personal one-on-one attention you will receive as a client. As an attorney I am here as counselor, to counsel you to help you arrive at the best decision for legal matters that have become issues in your life. I cannot make decisions for you and ethically under the Rules of Professional conduct I am not even allowed to, but I am here to guide you and provide you with options, answers to question. Although some of my brethren with whom I share membership in the bar may take umbrage at what I will discuss below, there are some dirty little secrets that most attorneys don’t want you, the client to know. Besides, I’ve never been shy about ruffling a few feathers.
First, we attorneys don’t know everything. In fact, we don’t know a lot of things. Every case is different and unique. Each set of circumstances provide different problems to solve and with that a learning curve necessary for the lawyer to see the matter from your shoes. Second, we work for you. Attorneys are also known as Counselors, and we should be doing exactly that, counsel, advise and help you reach the right decision for you. Third, the attorney/client relationship is like a marriage, you need trust, honesty, openness, the ability to get along and to listen to one another. Both sides. A bag relationship can rake you through the coals just like a bad marriage.
Through my more than ten years as a practicing attorney, here are 10 observations that I offer you to consider when choosing an attorney who is right for you. These same criteria should apply even if you should decide that you would like to interview me.
TEN THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Diplomas do not mean everything. General common sense goes a long way. Look at the attorney’s client base, the type of work the attorney has performed and listen to the ease of knowledge of the subject matter or lack thereof in answering the questions you present to them. There knowledge should be relevant to the matter that you have brought to their office. Are you seeking a litigator, a corporate attorney or just a general practitioner. Can you work with this person? Do you feel comfortable with the attorney? Is the attorney condescending and talking down to you or does the attorney treat you like a person of equal intelligence, ready to educate you to the appropriate rules of law and strategy? Is the attorney too aggressive? Yes attorneys can be too aggressive and blow a deal out of the water. Does the attorney immediately want to proceed to litigation and fight, or does the attorney examine the alternatives and try to seek solutions that will resolve a matter quickly which will allow you to go on with your life? Remember, you want a tough attorney who will act as your advocate, but one who will also guide you to the right alternatives that are equitable and cost effective. Is the attorney looking at the facts you present, or is the attorney trying to build a case which will build his billable hours? Is this a person who is available and ready to counsel you and lead you to the right decision? The key word again is “counsel” after all we are counselors when all is said and done. Is this someone who is willing to take the time to help determine the proper course for you and your cause of action? Is this attorney mindful of your financial considerations? How does the attorney’s firm bill? By the hour, fixed fee, contingency? What other hidden or additional costs might creep into your bill? Meals, transportation, photocopies, secretarial time? Understand fully your possible financial exposure. Do you feel more comfortable with a small firm or a large firm? Is your matter relatively minor that you may get lost in the shuffle of a big firm or is it so large that it may overwhelm the resources of a small firm? Rudeness is never a virtue. Not towards an adversary and definitely not towards the client. A case should never be about the attorney’s ego or a game of one ups-man-ship with the adversarial lawyer. That kind of behavior generally prevents you from getting the best and fair deal possible. Is the attorney attentive? Does the attorney return your call in a timely manner? However, always keep in mind, all attorneys, by necessity, have to juggle several cases at once. You can’t feel that you “own” all of your attorney’s time. Chances are that you may need a lawyer for other matters down the road. Is this person suited to you enough in order that you may develop a long term professional relationship?
Hey, you never know when you’ll need a lawyer. It’s always good to have one on hand that you can trust.
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