When
Choosing a Lawyer - Credentials Matter
If
you are injured through no fault of your own, there
is no choice more important than selecting an attorney.
The lawyer you choose to represent you can play a critical
role in the outcome of your case. The following are
a few key qualifications to look for:
Choose
an Expert
The legal field is far too advanced and dynamic for
one person to be an expert in all aspects of the law.
For this reason, attorneys concentrate their practices
in certain areas. Finding a lawyer that has extensive
experience trying and winning cases that are similar
to your own is very critical. If you incur injuries
due to a medical mistake, do not choose an immigration
lawyer that does some malpractice work. Find an attorney
that focuses on handling cases like your own. A firm's
website is a good place to look for this type of information.
Recognition
Lawyers who are preeminent in their fields receive awards
and honors, serve in leadership positions for legal
organizations and teach at law schools. Media regularly
call on top lawyers to comment on important legal questions.
In law, reputations matter. You need an attorney that
juries and opposing lawyers will revere. If you choose
an attorney who commonly receives recognition from peers
and the press, you can be secure in knowing that you
hired the best lawyer possible. During a preliminary
interview, it is completely appropriate to ask an attorney
what types of recognition he or she has received in
the past. An unimpressive response is an indication
of an unimpressive legal record.
Record
of Success
Many attorneys look good on paper, but top credentials
mean nothing without results. Ask for specific examples
of similar cases the attorney has won and ask about
their winning percentages. Again, if this figure is
unimpressive (or non existent), your best bet is to
look elsewhere.
10
Questions to Always Ask a Potential Attorney
1. How long have you been in practice?
2. How many cases of this type have you handled?
3. What has your success rate been?
4. Are you licensed to practice law in the state where
the incident occurred?
5. What is your estimate of the approximate overall
cost of this proceeding?
6. Can you describe your litigation style?
7. Do you prefer to settle cases like mine, or is it
more likely that this will end up in court?
8. Do you hold any professorships or other teaching
appointments?
9. Have you served in leadership positions in the legal
community? Which ones?
10. Does the media contact you for expert commentary?
Back
to Legal Tips | Back to Top | Contact
Us |
