What to Expect From Your Attorney
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Everyone has heard a million lawyer jokes, but you have the right to expect more from your lawyer than a chance to wind up the punchline to a joke. You should look for three qualities in an attorney:
- HONEST COMMUNICATION
The most valuable skill a lawyer can have is the ability to listen to what his or her clients are really saying. After listening to the client, a good lawyer should be able to respond to any question with a clear and direct response, even if the response is to say, "I don't know." If your lawyer won't give you a fair hearing and a reasonable answer, you shouldn't expect much in the way of results from him or her.
- PROFESSIONALISM
We live in a world of specialization. A lawyer who professes to be a jack of all trades is undoubtedly a master of none. You should select a lawyer who sticks to what he or she does best. Select one whose expertise matches your needs. Remember: If the lawyer has not handled your type of case before, your case becomes the lawyer's on-the-job training.
- ACCOUNTABILITY
Does your lawyer respond to your e-mail or telephone inquiries in a reasonably prompt manner? Does your lawyer keep you current on the status of your claim and what comes next? Does your lawyer promise you the sun and moon when he or she signs up the case, only to spend the remainder of the case backpedaling? If so, you need a lawyer who is willing to be accountable for his or her actions.
© 1999 Leipold, Donohue & Shipe, L.L.P.