How to Check Up on Your Lawyer’s Reputation Before You Sign

It’s very likely that at some point in your life you’ll need help from an attorney. Whether it’s for a civil lawsuit, to create a living trust, or for a divorce, an attorney bears the entire responsibility on the outcome of your case. And another thing, attorneys don’t come cheap. So how can you be sure that you’re hiring the right person to represent you?

Before signing on the dotted line or even before you pick up the phone, you’ll want to do a little more research about the person you’re considering.

Taking the following steps will increase the likelihood that you’ll have a positive attorney-client relationship which will strengthen the dynamics of your legal case.

What Are Others Saying About the Attorney and the Law Firm

One of the easiest and most effective ways is to check on their online reviews. You can go to Yelp, Google, findlaw.com, avvo.com, and other websites. If you do a google search for your prospective attorney, you can quickly find reviews about their services.

By reading reviews from past clients, you can get a good sense of what it was like working with that attorney. Are the reviews positive or negative? Are there a lot of reviews or just a handful? What is the consensus regarding this attorney?

If an attorney has mostly positive reviews but a few negative ones, was there a response from the law firm to address any of the negative reviews?

It’s always good practice for a business to respond to its unhappy customers. There’s no guarantee that the issue can be resolved. But addressing complaints shows concern and a proactive approach to coming to an amicable resolution.

The State Bar Association

The bar association must license all attorneys for the state they are practicing in. If you live in the state of California, for example, you can go to http://members.calbar.ca.gov and search for your prospective attorney.

In the profile section, you’ll find some basic information like the law firm’s contact information. You’ll also find information on the date the attorney was admitted and which law school he or she attended.

Many attorneys like to boast their credentials, especially their years of experience. This is a definite way to confirm that information.

State bar associations also list any disciplinary actions against an attorney. These actions will be listed on their profile, and you can also check on the current status of their license.

Meet Your Attorney

If the previous two steps have checked out successfully, the next step is to meet with your prospective attorney. To get the most out of your initial consultation, make sure you come prepared for your meeting with as much information as possible. An attorney is better able to assist if he or she thoroughly understands everything about your case.

For example, if you got injured in an accident, come to your appointment with any documents you may have. These documents may include things like a police report, insurance cards, contact information for witnesses, and medical bills. This information helps a personal injury attorney determine the chances of having a positive outcome and figuring out what types of damages he may be able to recover on your behalf.

The consultation is a chance for you to interview your attorney and learn more about the law firm. Even the little things matter, so pay attention to things like how friendly the front desk staff is to you and how attentive the attorney is in listening to your needs and concerns. Is this attorney mostly interested in getting cases, or does it seem like he or she has a genuine interest in their clients?

Taking the following steps will help you feel more confident. You’ll feel better about signing your retainer and can feel optimistic that you’ve hired the right attorney to represent you.

kasi

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