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LEGAL NOTIONS Selecting A Lawyer Let's face it, for most people the task of selecting a lawyer is as daunting as selecting a good dentist. Just the thought of having to hire a lawyer makes the strongest individuals cringe. That is in part because most people associate the need of hiring a lawyer with having to resolve painful situations. When faced with the need of having to consult with an attorney, people sometimes start by asking trusted family and friends for recommendations or by looking at attorney listings and advertisements in phone books and elsewhere. Getting referrals from trusted sources is often the best way to find a good attorney. However, as one is in the process of asking around the trusted circle of family and friends, one should keep in mind not to disclose the facts of the situation, because when revealing/discussing the details one may be jeopardizing one's situation by risking that any such communication may be discovered (by the opposing side) as a communication that is not protected under the law as a "privileged" communication and used against the person. When one goes about selecting a lawyer I recommend that, at a minimum, certain factors be considered in evaluating each attorney (or law firm). First, and most important is the lawyer's competency level in the specific areas of the law pertaining to one's situation. Often, competency is evaluated in terms of experience. How many matters of the relevant type has the attorney handled? Over how many years has he/she practiced in those relevant areas? What is his/her success rate in handling such matters for the clientele? Also, the person looking for a lawyer should not underestimate the importance of the attorney's demeanor (to avoid the unpleasantness of a personality conflict and to gauge whether the attorney's personality is consistent with the type of representation needed). Additionally, the lawyer's availability (both in terms of when he/she can give the matter the attention it deserves and how accessible the lawyer or his staff is for answering client inquiries) should be considered. Furthermore, the person wanting to hire a lawyer should ensure that the arrangements relating to legal fees and costs are fully acceptable and satisfactory. Please be aware that there are other factors that people should consider when hiring a lawyer - many are based on common sense. Also, there are other ways to go about finding a lawyer other than those stated in this column. Regardless, it is beneficial to learn about an attorney's qualifications before making the important decision to hire him/her. << back to columns >> The information provided in this column is not intended to be legal advice but merely conveys general information related to the topic. © 2005-2007 Scott J. Preble, A Prof. Law Corp., Antioch, (925) 756-7111. www.PrebleLawFirm.com.
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The Preble Law Firm 3700 Delta Fair Blvd., Suite 210 Antioch, California, 94509-4074 Copyright © 2005-2007 The Preble Law Firm. All Rights Reserved. |
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