Choosing the Right Attorney
There is no formula for choosing the right attorney. In addition, neither Family Law nor Criminal Law provides a basis for an attorney to keep a score card of "wins" and "losses." Each case turns on its own facts and circumstances. Moreover, there is no objective way to determine what is a “win,” or what is a “loss,” because a win or a loss is subjective and is different for everyone. We suggest that prospective clients be wary of trying to choose an attorney based on such a factor. However, there are some guidelines to consider when choosing your attorney.
First, we think it is important that you believe that you can trust your attorney. Your attorney may need to know many very private facts about your life. You need to feel that you can provide this information and ask personal and potentially hard questions without being judged, criticized, shamed or embarrassed.
Secondly, you need to know that your attorney is qualified in the area that he or she will be representing you. This may be more than just a ‘divorce’ attorney, as the divorce may include legal or factual issues that are specific to you. Raise these questions during your initial consultation with any attorney. It is certainly advisable to consult with a few different attorneys before you decide who will best represent your interests. We have years of experience in the areas of family law, criminal law and all other areas on which we practice. Just as important, we care about families and our entire firm is family focused.
Cost is also an important consideration. We do not abide by the ‘Cadillac theory’ of hiring professionals – the most expensive is not always the best. We have a significant amount of experience in retaining experts on behalf of our clients. We have utilized a number of experts to assist in the successful completion of many divorces. Our experience has taught us that the cost of an expert is not the only indicator of their ability and professionalism. Be wary of choosing someone just because they cost a lot. These experts may be appraisers, real estate agents, psychologists, therapists, accountants, auctioneers, business evaluators and others. We do not hire these professionals on your behalf based on what they charge. Certainly, we do not hire any expert without your knowledge and consent. We care about our clients and do our best to offer high quality legal services at a fair price.
We also believe that it would be unfair to require a large retainer without even meeting the attorney. We know that the attorney-client relationship is just that, a relationship which needs to be built. We build a relationship with each client based on trust. We foster our relationship with open and honest communication. We think the best way to begin that relationship is to have a cost- free consultation where you can meet your prospective attorney. It should not cost you $175.00 per hour just to meet the attorney with whom you may be expected to explain some of the most intimate details of your life. It is also important to be able to talk to your attorney at times and in ways that work best for you. We have some weekend and evening appointments available so that you can take less time away from work when you need to discuss your case. We also use today’s technology to answer questions that do not need to be discussed face-to-face. There are a number of clients that often communicate with us via text message or email. We want you to have access to your attorney and the firm’s highly qualified staff when you need us.
A bit of caution is necessary here. There will invariably be times when a client believes that it is absolutely necessary to speak with their attorney and he may be in court or otherwise unavailable. First, our staff are very qualified professionals who can assist you. If our staff cannot handle your inquiry themselves, they will do their best to ensure that your attorney is notified of your concern and arrange for someone to call you back with an answer as soon as possible.
We listen to you and your unique concerns and questions. Our seasoned staff is caring and concerned about each client that we serve. We must understand your goals and your needs in order to resolve a divorce successfully. It is not our role to dictate or tell you what you need or how to resolve your issues. We provide solid options and recommendations. We will guide you in determining the best approach to reach a successful resolution. We will zealously advocate your interests.
Look for an attorney who is willing to seek creative solutions to the unique problems of your divorce. When negotiating a case, we sometimes hear other attorneys say “we haven’t done that before” or “that isn't the way we usually do it”. Our firm doesn't treat every case the same. You have specific and unique issues that may require creative solutions. We pride ourselves on being able to create solutions that are not based upon one case from the 1970’s. We also balance our creative problem solving with the experience and foresight to propose resolutions that have a high likelihood of withstanding the test of time. Litigation is expensive and stressful, and nobody wants to do that kind of thing every two or three years, as the family’s needs change. We want our clients to walk away from their divorce feeling that the next chapter has begun, not that it will be re-opened repeatedly for years to come.
First, we think it is important that you believe that you can trust your attorney. Your attorney may need to know many very private facts about your life. You need to feel that you can provide this information and ask personal and potentially hard questions without being judged, criticized, shamed or embarrassed.
Secondly, you need to know that your attorney is qualified in the area that he or she will be representing you. This may be more than just a ‘divorce’ attorney, as the divorce may include legal or factual issues that are specific to you. Raise these questions during your initial consultation with any attorney. It is certainly advisable to consult with a few different attorneys before you decide who will best represent your interests. We have years of experience in the areas of family law, criminal law and all other areas on which we practice. Just as important, we care about families and our entire firm is family focused.
Cost is also an important consideration. We do not abide by the ‘Cadillac theory’ of hiring professionals – the most expensive is not always the best. We have a significant amount of experience in retaining experts on behalf of our clients. We have utilized a number of experts to assist in the successful completion of many divorces. Our experience has taught us that the cost of an expert is not the only indicator of their ability and professionalism. Be wary of choosing someone just because they cost a lot. These experts may be appraisers, real estate agents, psychologists, therapists, accountants, auctioneers, business evaluators and others. We do not hire these professionals on your behalf based on what they charge. Certainly, we do not hire any expert without your knowledge and consent. We care about our clients and do our best to offer high quality legal services at a fair price.
We also believe that it would be unfair to require a large retainer without even meeting the attorney. We know that the attorney-client relationship is just that, a relationship which needs to be built. We build a relationship with each client based on trust. We foster our relationship with open and honest communication. We think the best way to begin that relationship is to have a cost- free consultation where you can meet your prospective attorney. It should not cost you $175.00 per hour just to meet the attorney with whom you may be expected to explain some of the most intimate details of your life. It is also important to be able to talk to your attorney at times and in ways that work best for you. We have some weekend and evening appointments available so that you can take less time away from work when you need to discuss your case. We also use today’s technology to answer questions that do not need to be discussed face-to-face. There are a number of clients that often communicate with us via text message or email. We want you to have access to your attorney and the firm’s highly qualified staff when you need us.
A bit of caution is necessary here. There will invariably be times when a client believes that it is absolutely necessary to speak with their attorney and he may be in court or otherwise unavailable. First, our staff are very qualified professionals who can assist you. If our staff cannot handle your inquiry themselves, they will do their best to ensure that your attorney is notified of your concern and arrange for someone to call you back with an answer as soon as possible.
We listen to you and your unique concerns and questions. Our seasoned staff is caring and concerned about each client that we serve. We must understand your goals and your needs in order to resolve a divorce successfully. It is not our role to dictate or tell you what you need or how to resolve your issues. We provide solid options and recommendations. We will guide you in determining the best approach to reach a successful resolution. We will zealously advocate your interests.
Look for an attorney who is willing to seek creative solutions to the unique problems of your divorce. When negotiating a case, we sometimes hear other attorneys say “we haven’t done that before” or “that isn't the way we usually do it”. Our firm doesn't treat every case the same. You have specific and unique issues that may require creative solutions. We pride ourselves on being able to create solutions that are not based upon one case from the 1970’s. We also balance our creative problem solving with the experience and foresight to propose resolutions that have a high likelihood of withstanding the test of time. Litigation is expensive and stressful, and nobody wants to do that kind of thing every two or three years, as the family’s needs change. We want our clients to walk away from their divorce feeling that the next chapter has begun, not that it will be re-opened repeatedly for years to come.
