How to Select a Lawyer

Lets face it, no one really wants to hire a lawyer. Why? For one thing needing a lawyer usually means something bad, (or at least unpleasant), is going on in your life. Moreover, most people believe that lawyers are expensive and only looking out for themselves. I believe it doesn’t have to be that way. Besides, no matter how much you may dislike lawyers there are times in life when you will definitely need one. So the question isn’t really whether you want a lawyer, but how to go about choosing the right lawyer for you.

I believe that by visiting my website you may have already found the right lawyer for you. Why? Because I truly care about my clients and I have great judgment, which are two of the most important things a lawyer can bring to your case.

Simply stated, my approach is to listen carefully to your concerns. After I have listened, I assess your situation using the experience I have accumulated over the years, as well as my judgment (which is something that you really can't learn—you either have good judgment or you don’t). Next, I take as much time as needed to explain the available options and the pros and cons of each and to answer each and every question that you may have. I take this time because I believe that a fully informed client is my best client. Once I have answered all of your questions we get to work as a team doing everything we can to bring about the desired outcome. Why am I so confident? Because of the successful outcomes I have achieved time after time and because of the positive feedback I have received from so many of my clients.

So how do you select a lawyer? Recommendations from trusted sources are probably the most useful. Additionally, most lawyers offer a free consultation (at least most personal injury lawyers do). You should take advantage of these free consultations and try to meet with two or three different lawyers before choosing one that is right for you. Listen to what each lawyer has to say. Have a list of questions and get all of them answered. Always discuss what fee the lawyer says he or she will charge. Get a copy of the proposed fee agreement. Then end the meeting without signing up. A good lawyer will not pressure you to sign up at the first meeting. After you have visited several lawyers you will probably have a feeling for which one you felt most comfortable with. At this point you should have enough information to make a decision.

With regard to contingent fee agreements, my experience has been that many lawyers working on a contingency basis overcharge their clients. For example, I know lawyers who increase the fee for filing a lawsuit, or because the case requires mediation, arbitration, trial and/or appeal. I’ve also seen lawyers who charge an “administrative fee” (in addition to the contingency fee!), for doing routine tasks such as getting your medical bills or lost wages paid. I believe you should never have to pay extra fees - period! In my view these are things your lawyer should be doing as part of your personal injury case and any lawyer who would charge extra for them is really just lining his or her own pockets.

Please feel free to contact me for a free, no obligation consultation regarding your personal injury case. info@sclearylaw.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (413) 549-7600.