How do I select a good attorney?
If you are searching websites for an attorney to represent you in a criminal matter, personal injury case, worker's compensation case, medical malpractice case, divorce case, or even real estate transaction, then you either:
[ ] do not know you should have a trusted family attorney, or family friend, that practices law, refer you to an attorney that can address your legal problem; or
[ ] do not have a trusted family attorney, or family friend, that practices law.
If you have a trusted family attorney, or family friend, that practices law, then you should forsake your electronic search for an attorney, and rely on your family friend's legal acumen, experience and reputation in referring you to an attorney.
First, attorneys respond to attorneys. It is far easier to get an attorney to return another attorney's phone call. Each attorney recognizes that the other is busy, and will explain the issue in the most succinct manner possible. The referring attorney will probably not minimize the legal problem, or the possible alternatives. Neither will the referring attorney give an exasperating explanation of the legal problem, only to end with, "by the way, they have no money." If the referring attorney violates these aforementioned rules, he will soon find that his colleagues will not return his phone calls.
Second, a family friend that practices law should be able to spend more time with you, clarifying the legal and non-legal issues. She should be frank with you about your role in creating the problem, and the realistic constraints that exist in the judicial arena.
If you do not have a family friend, then you may be forced to wade through the myriad of attorney advertisements, whether they are in the yellow pages, billboards or on-line.
First, I suggest that you go to the courthouse library, and research/define your legal issue, if there is any doubt in your mind. If you have been arrested for trafficking in cocaine or aggravated assault, your legal issue is defined. You have a criminal matter, and require a criminal defense attorney. If you are unsure, you may be able to speak to the librarian, who may help you clarify your legal issue. Your goal is two fold:
[ ] determine what type of lawyer you need (i.e. criminal defense attorney, personal injury lawyer, real estate attorney, civil right attorney, medical malpractice lawyer, etc.); and
[ ] determine which court will hear your case (i.e. probate court, recorder's court, superior court, state court, magistrate court, etc.)
Once you know which court will hear your case, ascertain when court will next be in session. You should be able to just VISIT THE COURTHOUSE, and ask a deputy/officer when court is next in session. Most courtrooms operate between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Do not expect to see a great deal of action in the courtroom after normal business hours. Ask the deputy officer which types of hearings are best to watch - i.e. most entertaining, most informative. Talk to the deputy/officer at the courthouse about whom he/she would hire if he/she had your legal problem. (Remember you have already ascertained the type of lawyer you need to hire). The deputies at the courthouse have been around for a long time. They are an invaluable source of information, as are the court reporters, bailiffs and clerks. All of these spectators have seen the true performers. They are not beguiled by the billboards on the roadway, or the captivating graphics on the websites. These are the people that actually watch trial lawyers argue motions and try cases. Obviously that will be crucial if you need a trial attorney.
GO TO THE COURTROOM. WATCH THE LAWYERS. SPEAK TO THE COURT PERSONNEL. Ask for the business cards of the attorneys that you find persuasive. Make a list of what you like about the attorneys from whom you received a card. Make a list of your favorite attorneys.
WARNING: Be wary of any attorney that does not have a business card, he either
[ ] is not looking for anymore business;
[ ] knows that his legal fees are beyond the average person - i.e. is not looking for anymore business; or
[ ] has some questionable business practices, like not replenishing stationery in a timely manner - i.e. is not looking for anymore business.
I have never been caught at the courthouse without my business card.
After you make your list of your favorite attorneys, ask a deputy/officer for his top five picks. HINT: Do not ask when any other attorneys are around. If his match yours, then you have a good starting point from which to interview prospective lawyers to handle your legal problem.
CALL all of the attorneys on your list. Leave a message if you cannot speak to them. Make sure your message clearly indicates your legal problem. Keep a record of how soon they return your phone call. You may be surprised at how many attorneys will never return your phone call. Good attorneys will always return your phone call, irrespective of the fact that they may not practice in the area that you need. Good attorneys will spend a few minutes with you, discerning the problems, so that they can refer you to someone, who might be of help. If they cannot return your phone call, I contend you do not want them to handle your case or refer you to anyone. If the attorney does practice the type of law you need, then make an appointment to see the attorney, only after ascertaining if there is a consultation fee. Some attorneys charge a fee. Some do not. Most attorneys that charge a consultation fee do not make any real money on consultation fees. They charge the fee because that is the only way they know the prospective client is serious. Busy attorneys must rearrange their day to accommodate a meeting with a prospective client. There is nothing more frustrating than rescheduling your day, only to find out a client is not coming, or the client expects that she can hire a lawyer in an armed robbery case for five hundred dollars ($500). The consultation fee serves as a guardian of the lawyer's time.
DETERMINE how many of the attorneys you want to see, especially if a consultation fee is involved. Where a consultation fee is involved, inquire about the total cost of representation. The attorney may be willing to quote you a ballpark estimate on the total legal expenses you are facing. You will need some idea of how much lawyers charge in your type of case.
VISIT three or four of the attorneys at their offices.
You are shopping for a few things
[ ] general legal experience (your problem may not be what you think it is)
[ ] legal expertise in addressing your particular problem (how many times has he done this, or something like it)
[ ] ability to answer your questions succinctly
[ ] level of attention to your problem (if she cannot sit and listen to your problem without interruption, then she will have trouble listening after you retain her)
[ ] tone of the interview (does the attorney appear to be helpful, is he condescending, are you comfortable talking to the attorney)
[ ] total fee for legal services
[ ] payment options, if that is an issue
You are not shopping for certain other things
[ ] how often lawyer golfs with the judges
[ ] big car, big office furniture, big website, big promises
[ ] most expensive legal fees
[ ] oldest attorney (make sure you are paying for services the attorney will render, as opposed to reputation for legal conquests ten years ago)
[ ] civic/community involvement (attorney may be a civic-minded person, but lack legal acumen)
EXPERIENCE IS BIG. HOWEVER, YOUR GOAL in terms of experience should be to find an attorney old enough to have experience with your particular legal problem, but young enough to have the energy to implement that experience. Similar to running backs in football, you want a proven talent - i.e. not college phenomenon that might go bust in the pros - that you know can play the game, but not so old that all of his best playing days are behind him. You need your attorney to be making a name for himself, now. Hopefully, he will make a name for himself with your case. It is a tricky balance. However, if you can find a younger, experienced, hungry attorney, you will find that his/her legal fees will be less, and the quality of his/her work great.
If it appears that I am discouraging you from selecting an attorney, because he has a captivating website, that is because I AM. All of the attorneys know all of the other attorneys that appear in court. When you retain an attorney that has an amazing website, but knows nothing about resolving legal matters in court, everyone but you knows what will happen in the future.
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Lawrence Lewis, P.C. is a criminal defense law firm focused on educating clients and their families on the criminal justice process, as well as working towards favorable resolution of criminal charges.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The verdicts and settlements listed on this site are intended to be representative of cases handled by Lawrence Lewis, P.C. These listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims.