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If when you need a lawyer you open the phone book and just pick a lawyer to represent you then you are setting yourself up to fail. Having to deal with lawyers and the court system is very stressful. It is so stressful that we just want to get the process over with. We don't think of the future impact of out current actions.
I am not saying don't use the phone book. You should use whatever resources are available to find the best lawyer to represent you. I am saying, don't choose one just be he or she was recommended by a friend, or because you saw an advertisement..
The first step in choosing a good lawyer is knowing the specialty of law you need representation for. Once you know if it criminal, DUI, probate, real estate, or a myriad of other specialties, then you can develop a list or lawyers to interview. Once you have made a list of potential lawyers, you will want to make appointments to interview them. The are any number of questions to ask any potential attorney, here are a few questions that will help you determine whether or not they are the right attorney to represent you in your case.
1. How long have they been practicing?
2. Are they a member of the local bar association?
3. How long have they lived locally?
4. Have they ever had a disciplinary proceeding brought against them? If so, what for?
5. How long have they been practicing the specialty of law that you need?
6. What is their win loss ratio?
7. Can you speak to any of the clients they have worked with previously?
8. Are they going through a life crisis like a divorce or bankruptcy?
9. Is my case winnable? And, how would you define a win for this case?
10. How long would you estimate the case will take to complete?
11. Do you put your fee structure in writing?
12. Do you hate loosing?
13. What is your relationship like with local law enforcement, attorneys and judges?
14. Will you be handling my case or will another attorney or law clerk?
15. How often will you communicate with me about the case?
These are just some of the questions you should ask before you hire an attorney. Have a list ready. Remember you are interviewing him not the other way around. Many lawyers would like you to believe that they choose the cases.
Many try to make you think they are doing you a favor by representing you.
If the lawyer you are interviewing acts that way, politely move on to the next interview. There are many lawyers in the world today. There is no need to stick with one that is arrogant. I hope you have found this useful. John Tasher writes on a wide variety of subjects. If you are looking for a San Francisco Lawyer, or a Bay Area Lawyer or San Francisco Attorney , then visit his site http://sfolaw.com
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