How to Choose an Attorney:
The best way to
find an attorney is by word of mouth. Ask your friends if
they know a good honest lawyer who handles cases like yours.
Don't hire a lawyer
unless you trust him. If you aren't comfortable with the first
lawyer you speak to, move on to the next one. There are some
excellent and reputable lawyers in this city.
Always ask the
lawyer if he has been reprimanded by the State Bar for unethical
conduct.
Always ask a lawyer
if it will be him or an associate or paralegal handling the
case and making Court appearances. Many lawyers get you to
hire them and then hand your case off to another lawyer who
is not as experienced.
Never hire a lawyer
that tells you or implies that he has some special influence
with the judge or prosecutor. Those people aren't going to
risk their jobs for you, or your attorney, even if they are
best friends. Most of the trial lawyers know all of the judges.
The personal relationship between your lawyer and others usually
isn't going to affect your case in any significant way.
Your lawyer can't
guarantee the outcome of a contested case, but he should be
able to give you a general idea of what to expect including
a worst and best case scenario. If a lawyer guarantees you
a result, he is either lying or foolish. Always beware of
a lawyer who promises you a result. Go and see other lawyers!
You deserve to
know how much your case will cost, including the downpayment
(retainer), payment details, and billing. You also should
be told of any additional expenses prior to them being incurred
or billed to you.
Get it in writing!
If your lawyer will not put his fees and employment contract
in writing, find another lawyer.
Demand that your
lawyer be specific in describing his experience in handling
cases like yours. Hire a different lawyer if you are not comfortable
with the experience level of the attorney you speak with.
Be realistic.
Unless you are paying your lawyer an extremely large fee,
don't expect him to be able to return all of your phone calls
within half a day. A good lawyer will always be very busy
and you should allow him 48 hours to return your calls.
If you hire a
trial lawyer, you have to understand that he will be in trial
at times for several consecutive days. If you expect a return
phone call, leave a day and night telephone number.
Good lawyers are
in high demand and they don't come cheap. If you want top
notch services, you've got to expect to pay a fair fee.
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