Category: Legal

What Personal Injury Lawyer Should You NOT Choose?

Obviously, you might think me a little biased if I explained why we are a good choice if you have been seriously injured, especially if you or someone you love has suffered a head injury, or been the victim of a reckless trucking company or premises owner. But, I thought it might be useful if I could give some tips of types of plaintiff’s attorneys, or injury lawyers, that you might avoid. It is important to note that I know many excellent and honest attorneys in this practice area, but with every field—there are always some to avoid.

Avoid Cheesy Gimmicks

First of all, avoid anyone who with seriousness and gusto, declares themselves a law “animal,” refers to themselves as a tool (although, ironically, this description might fit), or utilizes any other gimmicky name. The problem is not so much in the name, but might be the business model that they choose. Often, with these firms that use billboards all over town and non-stop commercials, they are reaching a wide swath of people and bring in many cases. They often have call centers just to handle the number of incoming calls. This is not a problem if the law firm is only taking on a certain number of cases. But unfortunately, many times these attorney’s take in a large number of cases and use the “style of business” referred to as “churn and burn.” Meaning, they take in a lot of cases and settle them quickly for less value than the case is probably worth if it had been worked up right.

Hire Someone Who Is Willing To Fight, Rather Than Settle

As a result, the attorney still makes a good amount of money because he or she is moving so many cases—but each individual client will make less, as their case will have been settled for less than its actual value. And, of course, the insurance companies are never stupid when it comes to paying out their money, so they are well aware of which firms practice like that. Since they know these law firms are not willing to fight it out, they know they can give them low-ball offers and get away with it. In fact, insurance companies keep stats on each attorney they deal with, how often they go to trial, how often they win, and whether they are willing to take low offers.

Don’t Settle for Less Than What Your Case Is Actually Worth

Another issue with many of the firms you see advertising constantly is they are what are referred to as “settlement mills” in our business. This is related to churning and burning cases but just refers to the fact that they only settle cases and do not take anything to trial. This might seem like a great thing at first. Who doesn’t want to settle their case and avoid trial? The problem is the cumulative effect of settling so many cases. The insurance companies know that you are not willing to take it all the way to trial, so they can offer less money than they would to an attorney they know has no problem taking it to trial.

So, what happens in the cases where they do not get enough money offered to even talk their unsuspecting client into taking the settlement? Your case usually will just be dropped or possibly referred to another firm. This other firm might or might not have the resources and time to work your case right. And, of course, they are starting behind the ball as they are late in the game picking up your case.

 

Things to Consider Before Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury claims apply to a wide range of situations and types of accidents. You may have been injured by a slip and fall on someone’s property, in a car accident, or by being bitten by stranger’s dog. If your injuries are serious, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim.

1. How Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

As you search for a lawyer, start by asking friends and colleagues for references. A referral service can also help you to locate a reputable law firm. However, make sure that you always check the online reviews of attorneys to ensure that the firm doesn’t have a shady past.

If any attorneys contact you wanting to represent you in your personal injury claim after you have suffered an accident, keep in mind that it is illegal for attorneys to solicit business in this way. Ambulance chasers should be avoided at all costs.

2. Understand Your Personal Responsibilities

As a client, you have many responsibilities. Seek necessary medical care and remain in compliance with your doctor’s recommendations – your health and well-being are the top priority. Ensure that your medical bills are properly submitted to your health insurance company. Keep your lawyer updated on the progress of your medical care and treatments. Finally, be honest and candid with your attorney. Your lawyer can only help you as much as you let him or her.

3. Request the Paperwork Needed for Your Case

In order to represent you in your personal injury claim, your lawyer will require a significant amount of paperwork. Gather these important documents, including:

Medical records (related pre-existing conditions and test results);

Accident/Collision report, if the police were involved;

Pictures (take pictures of all injuries and property damage)

Details about the incident (date, location, time, weather/road conditions);

Car Insurance policy information for yourself and the other party;

Breakdown of your lost income/wages resulting from the accident.

The better prepared you are for your case, even before you have consulted a lawyer, the better off you’ll be.

4. Time Is of the Essence

Lawsuits have strict time limits, known as “statutes of limitations.” If you delay, you may be forever barred from seeking compensation for your injuries. Act promptly and do not wait to file your claim!

 

Key Qualities To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer

What are the qualities I should look for in a personal injury lawyer?

The best personal injury lawyers view law as a helping profession and not merely as a business.  Many of the outstanding personal injury lawyers I have met are motivated by the opportunity to solve problems for injured people and their families. Good lawyers will do what is best for their injured clients and their families. Often this means working very long hours and taking a case to trial, and if necessary, to an appellate court.  Some cases simply cannot reasonably be settled for an amount that is fair to the injured person.

The very best personal injury lawyers have earned the respect of their peers in their profession.  These lawyers who have been identified as the top of their profession by Best Lawyers in America.  Lawyers are listed in this national publication only because judges and lawyers familiar with their work have identified them as among the best in their field.  Lawyers who spend large amounts of money on TV and other marketing ventures cannot buy their way into this publication.

Choose a lawyer with extensive experience in the courtroom. The lawyers with the experience, knowledge and talent to present your case to a jury are the lawyers who are in the best position to settle your case without the need for a jury verdict. Be careful. Many of the lawyers who spend a large amount of money marketing on TV have no reputation for success in the courtroom. Insurance companies and the lawyers who defend insurance companies, not surprisingly, know the lawyers who always settle their cases. They also know who will do whatever work is necessary to achieve a just result for those injured because of negligence.

Choose a lawyer who cares about you and is available to educate you and answer every question you may have during this difficult time in your life.

 

Experience

Whether your personal injury case is a dog bite or a car accident you want to make sure you are picking a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases. A lawyer with experience in these specific types of cases will have the expertise to provide you with sound advice and help you reach a resolution. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and medical experts so they can focus on your claim while you place your efforts on recovering.

Reputation

The success record and reputation is another essential factor to consider when selecting a personal injuries lawyer. Do not be afraid to ask how many cases your lawyer has won or look for testimonials. Online review sites are another great way to find reviews on the performance of the lawyer you are considering and help you spot any potential red flags.

Personality

When you meet with a personal injuries lawyer, their personality should make you comfortable and you should find it easy to communicate with them. You will be working with this person throughout the duration of your case, and you want to make sure you are selecting someone that will be easy to work with. If you do not like the personality or communication style of your lawyer, it may make it difficult for you to work with them and open up about all the details of your injuries causing a negative impact on your case.

 

How You Can Find The Best Personal Injury Lawyer

1. Ask Lawyers You Already Know.

Although you may have never needed an attorney before, you might know some attorneys socially. In this case, it doesn’t matter if the attorneys that you know are your best friends or the parents of another child at your child’s school. In most cases, caring and compassionate attorneys will be happy to help you with a referral.

Even if they don’t work in personal injury, most lawyers have extensive networks of other lawyers that they know. Many lawyers are also a part of specialty organizations, like female attorney groups or legal alumni associations.

An excellent way to start your research on finding a personal injury lawyer is to ask lawyers you already know who they trust. If the attorneys you know don’t know any personal injury lawyers, it’s still likely they’ve heard good things about some through reputation. Asking lawyers you know is a great way to get a few names.

2. Ask Friends And Family.

If you happen not to know any attorneys, you may wish to ask friends or family if they do. Unfortunately, personal injury cases aren’t so uncommon. You may know someone who has needed a personal injury lawyer themselves.

If your friends and family have been lucky enough never to need a personal injury lawyer, they may know other types of lawyers that they can introduce you to so that you can start your search with recommendations.

3. Call Your State (Or City) Bar.

All state bar organizations, and sometimes city bar organizations, have an attorney referral service. In most cases, this is a number that consumers can call to describe what type of lawyer they need.

Either an automated system or an actual person will be able to direct you to licensed personal injury lawyers in your state.

Signs You Should Hire an Attorney for Your Divorce

Getting divorced in Virginia can be a complicated endeavor. If you have children, assets, or any other likely points of dispute you should contact a Virginia divorce attorney for women. If you’re getting divorced in Virginia, you might be wondering whether you need to hire an attorney. While the idea of having a Virginia divorce attorney for women on your side can seem appealing, you may not know much about working with a lawyer and be unsure of what to expect.

In the age of the Internet, everyone seems to be a do-it-yourselfer. Whether the project is a home renovation or a divorce, there seems to be a book or a kit that tells you exactly how it can be done without a professional. This might sound like a good deal, but as anyone with DIY home repair experience will tell you, embarking on a project when you don’t have the knowledge or experience required can end up being a disaster.

The same is true for getting divorced in Virginia. Individuals who attempt to do their own divorces often run into unforeseen complications and end up regretting their decision. It’s important to evaluate your case and know what you’re getting into before you begin.

Signs You Should Consult an Attorney

• You foresee a child custody dispute. Having kids changes your life forever, including the way you approach a divorce. When you have kids, the stakes are high, and unfortunately couples often end up fighting bitterly over custody. It’s true that some couples are able to coolly negotiate the terms of custody and visitation, but this is not the norm.
• You and/or your spouse have more than a few thousand dollars in assets; especially if there’s a marital home involved. It’s wise to have an attorney who can help make sure that you’re treated fairly when it comes to division of assets.
• You and your spouse own a business together. This scenario can be quite complicated in a divorce. An attorney will know how to navigate the confusing details, and can enlist the help of financial professionals like appraisers and consultants.
• There was domestic violence or abuse in your relationship. The emotional dynamic that’s present when one spouse dominates and intimidates the other makes it impossible to communicate on equal ground. When getting divorced in Virginia, the abusive spouse can easily “negotiate” the other spouse into an unfair deal if no legal counsel is involved

 

Things You Should Include In Your Parenting Plan

Every family is unique therefore your parenting plan should be designed around the needs of your family. You will include a number of children you have as well as their ages, schooling needs, and so on. Some specific points you should cover include:

• Schedule – This is one of the essential elements. You and your co-parent must include details about how you plan to meet your child’s physical needs. Some factors such as your children’s age and school schedule can impact the parenting schedule. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your children need sufficient time with you and your ex-spouse. Parents must create a schedule that allows children to spend equal time with both parents.
• Special events – Some events such as the holidays, birthdays, school recitals, and so on, may suffer some interruptions. You need to decide where your children will spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.
• Expenses – Who will cover the costs? This is a question only you and your former spouse can answer. Some expenses you can split 50/50 while others are a bit difficult to figure out. You can always use a tool to write down child-related costs. It can help you and your co-parent provide a financially stable environment for your children, whether they’re staying with you or with your former spouse.
• Making important decisions – It is best when both parents are actively involved in the children’s lives and in making decisions regarding their education, discipline, religious practices, health care, etc. You can talk to your co-parent about these big decisions and trace a parenting plan that includes how you will handle these major decisions.

 

Divorcing Women: Five Signs You Might Need A New Attorney

In a divorce, all negotiations and deal points go through your attorney. If he or she is a poor negotiator, an unimpressive litigator or simply fails to understand the complexities of your case, your financial future could be in jeopardy.

So, if you’re dissatisfied with your lawyer, should you hang on, or let go? Breaking up with your husband is unpleasant enough – do you have to break up with your divorce attorney, too?

Let me help you work through that decision. As I see it, here are the top five signs that you might be better served by a different divorce attorney:

Your attorney doesn’t return calls or answer your questions.

Obviously, your attorney will not pick up the phone herself every time you call, nor will she be able to respond within the hour every time you have a thought or a question. Keep in mind that divorce attorneys are often in court –especially in the mornings –and if they are in trial, they can be at the courthouse all day for a week or more, in some cases. Even so, you should not feel that your lawyer is unresponsive. Being busy is one thing, but ignoring you when you need answers is not OK.

How to avoid it: Make your expectations about communication clear from the outset. Maybe it doesn’t bother you not to talk directly, but even so, you expect emails to be answered within twenty-four hours. On the other hand, maybe you hate email and want frequent telephone updates. Whatever your preferences, state them up front. Also, please remember: Your attorney is not your therapist, and you can’t presume she’ll be able to help you cope with personal issues the way a trained counselor will. You may need to adjust your expectations, or you may decide this attorney is simply not someone you can work with.

You feel intimidated –or even bullied –by your attorney.

Let’s face it, lawyers – and particularly litigators – can be very intimidating people. They need to be! You don’t get to be a successful attorney without some ability to intimidate or outdo an opponent in court. You want your attorney to have impressive knowledge, experience and courtroom presence. This person cannot be a shrinking violet.

However, it’s difficult to work with someone who talks down to you. If you get a “don’t worry your pretty little head about that” vibe from your attorney, you’re not being taken seriously, and that is a problem. Even worse, I’ve had clients whose attorneys were almost as verbally abusive as their soon-to-be-ex-husbands.

How to avoid it: Educate yourself so you have a working knowledge of divorce basics, like the difference between separate and marital property and how assets are divided. And remember: Your attorney works for you, and not the other way around. If your lawyer doesn’t seem to recognize the nature of your relationship, it may be time to walk.

You leave the lawyer’s office feeling worse than when you came in.

No divorce attorney should promise you the moon. You likely won’t get every last thing you ask for in a divorce settlement negotiation –and that’s precisely why it’s a negotiation, not just a list of demands to be filled. On the other hand, you don’t want the sense that your attorney has no ideas or isn’t making a proper effort on your behalf. If you don’t have confidence in your lawyer’s ability to negotiate a fair settlement, it’s no wonder you will leave their office feeling distinctly hopeless.

How to avoid it: During your initial interview with prospective attorneys, don’t focus on the particulars (“I really want to keep the house,” e.g.). Instead, state your goal (“I want to come out of this divorce in the best possible financial shape”) and ask your prospective attorney to suggest a plan of action. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and emphasize that you want to understand best and worse-case scenarios equally. Also ask what advice this attorney would be giving your husband, were it him and not you across the conference room table.

 

Essential Signs of a Good Divorce Lawyer

Divorces are not a pleasant experience. Especially if we face them alone. If there are numerous assets and liabilities to be taken care of, as well as children, things get even more complicated. That’s why it’s advisable to seek the help of a professional divorce lawyer.

But how to choose one in the ever-growing sea of divorce lawyers? One that’s going to lend us their helping hand during a tough time like going through a divorce. One that’s not going to be judgmental but helpful.

The top 7 signs of a good divorce lawyer. They’ll help you choose yours much more easily.

They Have a Website.

Having a website is essential for a couple of reasons: 1) You can get to know the lawyer by reading the information they have provided in their About section or on their blog. By the way the website is designed and how the information is presented, you can see whether the lawyer is a real professional, and whether it’s easy to work with him/her. 2) You can read client testimonials, which leads us to sign #2.

 

The Lawyer Has Good Customer Reviews.

Feedback from past clients is one of the most important things you should consider before hiring a divorce lawyer. If they have many reviews, and the majority of them is positive, that means the lawyer might be a good fit for your specific case, too.

They’re Active on Social Media.

While this is not necessarily a must, when a lawyer devotes some of their precious time to expanding their presence online, that’s definitely a good sign. And it’s another way to get to know the lawyer before even considering giving them a call.

Read the lawyer’s posts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, sign up for their newsletters, and see how they communicate and respond to comments. This will be helpful to decide whether you’ll be a good fit.

A good listener

While you might want your lawyer to listen to your pain and sadness, that is not their job. They are not a trained therapist and using them as one is a gross misuse of time and money. What might seem immensely important to you might not have an impact on your case. With that being said, it is vital that a top divorce lawyer in The Woodlands is a good listener – they just need to listen for different information. Your attorney needs to understand your goals and needs legally.

Honest

Although it can be difficult to hear the truth, especially if it isn’t in your favor, a top divorce lawyer in The Woodlands needs to be honest. This applies to both your case’s outcome and lawyer’s fees. A good lawyer will never lie just to save you from discomfort, and they will never be dishonest about payments. Certain types of representation have flat fees, but most types of legal matters vary. It is a sign of good ethics if your lawyer gives you a range for how much their time and services will cost.

Objective

While it is important for your lawyer to be both a good listener and honest, they also shouldn’t empathize too much with your pain. A top divorce lawyer in The Woodlands is able to stay objective while seeking the truth at all times. Your relationship with your lawyer should be professional and based on trust and facts.

Respect

An objective lawyer will always ensure quality customer service. A sign of a top divorce lawyer in The Woodlands is their ability to make working with them enjoyable. You, and all other parties involved in the case, should feel respected and included throughout the entire process. This includes having a quick response time and great communication skills.

Tips to Select the Best Immigration Lawyer

It’s important to make sure your attorney is licensed to offer the service and has the right credentials. You can check that information in the law office or by calling the local bar association. You will get to know about any disciplinary proceedings the lawyer has ever faced.

Ask trusted people if they recommend any immigration lawyer. The local lawyers association will barely recommend any particular attorney, so make sure you’ve gained enough recommendations from your friends, family members etc. In this manner you will also easily get the negative feedbacks about the specialist.

Don’t necessarily look for an attorney with high fees. The best immigration lawyers do usually charge high fees in proportion with the qualified service, but not every expensive attorney is qualified. Look for a lawyer with good reputation, whose fees are reasonable for you.

It can be advantageous for you if the chosen attorney also provides the additional services. You will save a lot of effort and time if you get all your legal work from the same specialist. You can also get help with managing your debt in the most efficient and timely matter if you deal with the best immigration lawyer, who is also a bankruptcy attorney.

In case you are still confused by the means of finding the right immigration Lawyer, the simplest way to find immigration law firms or individual lawyers is through a simple online search like in case with any other service. You can also be easily provided by the feedbacks, usually included in the related website section.

How to find, hire, and work with a U.S. immigration lawyer

Selecting a good immigration lawyer or the best one you can find is very much like selecting a good doctor or any other professional to help you. The time to find the right one is when you don’t need one. Unfortunately, many of us don’t even begin to think of looking for legal help until a need arises.

Having a qualified immigration lawyer on your team — someone you know, trust, and can call when you have questions or a problem — can provide a great deal of peace of mind, even to foreign nationals who prefer to handle some legal matters on their own without the advice of an immigration lawyer. Some businesses, wealthy people, and a few people who seem to need help all the time, may need to keep an immigration lawyer on retainer, but most people find it better to pay an immigration lawyer a retainer and an hourly rate for the legal services he provides on an as-needed basis.

Finding the right lawyer

Finding the right lawyer is probably the most important decision you will make in addressing a legal matter.  Talking with a friend, associate, or family member who is a satisfied client of a lawyer is usually the best way to get a good recommendation, and word of mouth is the best place to start.  Even if you are a new resident of the United States, you will find that your business associates, neighbors, accountants, fellow church members, and sometimes bank employees will recommend the name of a trusted lawyer.  If you are a foreign national, however, it is likely that the people you ask for a recommendation will not be familiar with your special needs, so please beware.  Make sure that the recommendations you get from friends or acquaintances are based on a prior business relationship with the lawyer and not on a personal one, or because the lawyer is simply associated with your friends’ or acquaintances’ business interests.  And make sure that your friend or acquaintance consulted the lawyer about an immigration or visa matter.  The practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law is highly specialized and complex.  And please remember this:  USCIS treats forms filed with its district offices and service centers as legal cases submitted to the federal agency for adjudication under the federal Administrative Procedures Act and its own regulations.

Small firm or large firm?

Many people ask whether a small firm or a large firm is best. There are good lawyers in firms of all sizes, including solo practitioners, and there are advantages and disadvantages in both small and large firms.  You may want to choose a small law firm with practitioners whose skills overlap, giving them the ability to care for each other’s clients should an illness, emergency, or vacation make it impossible for one of them to handle a particular legal matter in a timely fashion. If you are interested in choosing a sole practitioner, you should find out how the sole practitioner handles matters for his clients when he or she is ill or on vacation. Sometimes finding a lawyer who is right for you may be just a matter of luck, but by following these recommendations, you may increase your chances of finding the right lawyer to meet your needs and to form a lasting, confidential relationship with you.

How to consult with and hire a lawyer

Consulting an immigration lawyer to find out whether you need help with a legal matter need not be expensive.  Most immigration lawyers charge a nominal fee for an initial legal consultation, especially if you reach them through a State Bar lawyer referral service.

How to Choose the Best immigration lawyer

It can be quite a tumultuous experience to go through the United States’ visa journey. You have to engage with several authorities and fill a lot of paperwork before you are through. One of the things that you will need to do is take the immigration medical examination. This step is necessary and mandatory in the whole ladder of immigrating to the United States

Check Prominent Attorney Websites

Several online sites can give you referrals for reputable immigration lawyers. Some of the popular websites that you come across provide ranking to the lawyers for green card visas and immigration. You need to choose a lawyer who has a high success rate in this field. These websites also have a lot of valuable data that will help you to get useful information about each lawyer. The best way to arrive at a decision is to leaf through peer ratings of the attorneys that you wish to engage their services.

Customer Reviews

Once you narrow to a particular attorney firm or lawyer, you can check the ratings and Google for more information. Previous clients leave behind objective reviews that will help you to understand how the firm works. Don’t just count the number of reviews and then make a decision. Take your time and go through every review keenly. The options matter because they have a lot of insights about the performance of the lawyer.

Go Through the Firm’s Website

Check whether the website is entirely professional. Search for links to the recognition and awards that the law firm has received and customer reviews. It will tell you that the lawyer will work hard on your case because he has been doing so to other customers. Therefore, it is vital to scrutinize the website of the law firm for you to make an educated decision.

The Level of Knowledge of the Lawyer

The last thing you need to look at is how much does the attorney know? You will gain these insights by looking at where his or her expertise lies. You need someone who specializes in immigration law and not the whole sphere of civil law. The best way forward is to engage the services of a firm or lawyer that has a proficiency in immigration law. The in-depth knowledge and experience on the subject will make sure that you stand in good stead. The lawyer will also assist you to go through the medical examination process that is mandatory.

How to choose your immigration lawyer

Choosing an immigration lawyer is a nightmare. If I wasn’t a practitioner myself, I would have no idea where to start. But as a migrant coming to, or already in, the UK, poor advice from an immigration lawyer has almost uniquely life-ruining potential.So even if you read no further, take your time and shop around: talk to as many lawyers as possible before making your choice.

Background

There are thousands of immigration lawyers practicing in the UK, and hundreds of firms or organisations. An advisor must be regulated to provide immigration advice (or be exempt from regulation). This is explained below. But assuming the organisation you are considering is appropriately regulated, what factors should you consider when choosing between them?

Lawyers often point to certain Unique Selling Points as to why you should hire them. In immigration law, the most common are as follows

Superior expertise

Competitive fees

Location of offices

Languages spoken

Regulatory body; and

Internet rankings

Expertise

A lawyer’s competence is obviously an important factor in deciding whether to instruct him or her. But with most organisations promising sector-leading expertise, it is probably the most difficult judgment for a prospective client to make. Even for those working within the sector, other than hearsay from previous clients, it is almost impossible to really know what kind of service an organisation or lawyer is able to provide until you have either experienced it first hand, or seen a copy of the file.

Training

There is a requirement for all immigration lawyers to undergo Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training. Given how quickly UK immigration law changes training is particularly important, and is provided on a regular basis by experts in the field. If the lawyer you are considering provides training for an accredited training provider, this is usually a good way of assessing expertise.

How to Find the Right Immigration Attorney

When you are dealing with immigration issues and are ready to hire an attorney to help you with your case, you have a lot of options when it comes to legal professionals – maybe even too many. In fact, knowing who to hire and trust with your sensitive immigration matters can as overwhelming as it may be stressful, especially considering the fact that choosing an under-qualified lawyer could

Experience

Immigration law is a complicated field, and the processes associated with different types of immigration affairs can be just as complex. As a result, having an immigration attorney who has experience handling various types of immigration matters is crucial to making sure that your case is resolved as efficiently (and beneficially) as possible.You may be able to find out how much experience an attorney has with immigration cases by looking through his website. If you can’t readily find information regarding a lawyer’s experience on his website, you may also want to call that lawyer directly to ask about his experience handling immigration cases similar to yours.

Glowing Record with the State Bar Association

If any attorney has ever been censured or had formal complaints filed against him by, for instance, former clients, records of these matters will be recorded and kept by the state bar association. If you are considering hire a lawyer to handle your important immigration affairs, checking with the state bar association first is a good idea because it can confirm the lawyer’s experience while also possibly alerting you to any professional problems a lawyer may have had in the past.

Has good communication skills

At any given point while your immigration matters are moving forward, you will likely want to be kept in the loop and informed about what is happening with your case, what challenges may be arising and what you may need to do to overcome these obstacles. This means that you need to be able to rely on the fact that your immigration lawyer will be proactive about reaching out to you and that, when he does, he will be forthright about the status of your case.While you can ask an attorney directly about his communication skills (by, for instance, asking how often he will communicate with you about your case in the future, or how quickly he’ll get back to you if you reach out to him to ask questions about your case), it’s also a good idea to see what his past clients have said about his communication skills.

Will be accessible to you as your case progresses

This quality falls in line with communication skills, as it generally requires that you are able to get ahold of your lawyer when you have questions, need advice and/or simply need reassurance about your case. While it’s not necessarily reasonable to assume that an attorney will always be available to pick up your call the moment you place it, it is reasonable to expect your lawyer to get back to you within a few days.If a lawyer has a history of not getting back to his former clients (which you may learn about from client testimonials, for example), then be careful about moving forward with that attorney, and continue shopping around for another lawyer

How To Choose the Right DUI Lawyer

So you need a good DUI lawyer but aren’t sure what you should be doing to get the best deal for the drink driving offense you’re facing?

DUI Legal Fees

You can’t tell what any lawyer might charge for handling DUI cases, but watch out for the high up-front cost that is followed by a guilty plea at the end of the day.  Similarly, you need to watch out for a low up front charge, followed by an endless progressioin of fees for the work.

The Lawyer’s Reputation

Make sure you do some checking about the drunk driving lawyer’s reputation by asking about, doing some online checking.  Find out what sort of reputation he or she has with the judiciary and the prosecutors, which can be vital if you are seeking the best possible result for the charges  you face.

DUI Knowledge

Ensure your lawyer knows exactly what you’re likely to be receiving in terms of penalty.  Does he or she know the sentencing options for the locality where you’re going to go to Court?  Do they know the options and requirements?  Do they know the criminal and sentencing guidelines that need to be followed? You need local knowledge here.

Drivers License Issues

Your DUI lawyer needs to know what the licensing laws are and be completely familiar with how the actual DUI will affect your license, as well as delays and other license suspension issues that will liekly arise.

How do you choose the right DUI Attorney for you?

Being arrested can be overwhelming and even more so if you’ve never hired an attorney. You know you need one, but how do you know which is the right one for you? Reynolds Defense Firm focuses all of our time and expertise on one very small area of the law, and we do it very well – we represent good people facing DUI charges, primarily in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties. Our attorneys have a combined 35 years of local Oregon DUI law experience, both on the prosecution and the defense sides, and we are second to none.

First, is specialization. You want to make sure that your lawyer specializes in Criminal Defense at the very least and preferably in DUI Defense. DUI laws are complicated, so you don’t want an attorney that does a little bit of everything because how can they be the best at everything? I’d rule out all firms that don’t specialize exclusively on DUI and Criminal Defense. There is a reason brain surgeons don’t do heart transplants. Law is the same way – specialization allows you to hire the best attorney in their field.

The second thing you want to look for is level of experience. How long has this person been doing Criminal Defense of DUI Defense? Has this attorney or someone in their law firm ever been a prosecutor? I know that my experience as a District Attorney helps our firm and our clients every day. It allows our team to better understand where the DA’s and police officers are coming from. This helps us to better craft our strategies for how to move forward with the clients case with strength and success. I’d personally rule out attorneys with less than 5 years of experience and those without a prosecutor background to give them better perspective.

The third thing that you should look for is how long has this attorney or law firm been in business? Running a business is challenging and complicated with many moving parts. Many criminal defense attorneys don’t understand or appreciate that and because of that, they often don’t do a good job managing the business portion of their firm. This can affect their clients negatively in lots of different ways. Most importantly, you want your lawyer to focus their time on you and your case, not the 100 other things required to run a business instead. You don’t want your attorney to choose between working on your case or answering the phone when potential new clients are calling. The last thing I’d want to do is hire a lawyer whose business is so chaotic that he or she can’t focus all their attention on their clients. At Reynolds Defense Firm our attorneys focus 100% of their time on their clients and the cases they are working on so that they can do the best job possible without distractions.

The final thing is customer service. Pay attention to your interactions with the law firm staff and attorney before you hire them. Are you treated with respect? Are they willing to answer your questions and listen to you? Can they spend the time necessary to help you understand the process? Trust your instincts. If I had any concerns about giving my complete trust to this attorney and law firm, I’d keep looking. Because when you hire someone to represent you on a DUI arrest, you are giving them complete trust, which can have an effect on your life, your family and your career. Pretty important and you want to be absolutely sure that you’re hiring someone that you feel comfortable talking to.

How To Find The Best DUI Lawyer By Yourself

Sometimes we make irresponsible choices and have to live with the consequences. According to MADD, over 1.1 million drivers were arrested in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Out of these numbers, three times as many males were arrested for drunk driving than females. Guys….society begs you to be more careful and considerate of others!

Deciding to drive under the influence is not only dangerous to you, it endangers the lives of those around you. If you have been caught driving under the influence, you are going to need a lawyer. Of course, you could go with a government-appointed lawyer, but it is a much wiser decision to hire an attorney on your own.

Do your research

A good DUI lawyer who will listen to you, understand your case, and help you in court isn’t just going to jump right out at you. It is essential to research various DUI attorneys in order to choose the one that is best for your specific case. Thankfully, the internet and social media has made research easy. In addition, it is always a good idea to ask trustworthy friends and family for their suggestions and recommendations on who to, or who to not, hire!

Make a list of potential lawyers

Create an Excel spreadsheet or written log and keep a list of the lawyers you are interested in reaching out to. Your list should include their name, area of speciality, phone number, email address, and address. If you have already spoken to them and know their price, you should include a column for “cost” in your document as well

Determine if your attorney is qualified to handle your case

Just because someone is a lawyer does not mean he/she is qualified to take on your case. Check your State Bar website to see if any of the lawyers on your list have a history of malpractice or have been subject to any disciplinary actions. Make sure that the people on your list are all licensed to practice in your state and that they are familiar with the legal system in your area.

How to Choose the Best Defense Attorney for Your DWI Case

If you have never been through the DWI process before, you are probably wondering how to choose a quality DWI lawyer that will truly fight to protect your rights.  Additionally, not knowing what to look for in a defense lawyer makes the task of finding the right lawyer extremely difficult.

You need a professional who can evaluate both factual and legal defenses to your DWI, compel the government to produce any reports, videos, or other evidence, and know how to attack the government’s case.

Find an attorney who focuses exclusively on defending DWI and DUI cases.

Additionally, you should look at the experience your lawyer has both in and out of the courtroom.  Make sure your attorney spends a great deal of time in the court where your case is pending and that he or she has handled many cases in front of the judge in your court – you want an attorney familiar with where your case’s outcome is to be decided.

DWI law is one of the most complex areas of law.  The laws are constantly evolving and changing with each opinion of our appellate courts.  Your lawyer needs to be familiar with the current state of the laws pertaining to your case.  A quality lawyer has to use the law, science, and careful examination of the government’s witnesses to protect your Constitutional rights.

Just as importantly, get references.  For example, the defense attorneys at Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C. have represented clients referred by judges, other criminal and civil lawyers, police officers and former clients.  These referrals speak for themselves – let a successful defense lawyer assist you through your experience.

Important Aspects to Consider When Choosing a DUI lawyer

Driving Under Influence is a grave offense in most jurisdictions. Working with a DUI lawyer is imperative when charged with such a crime. However, most people tend to ignore the need to work with a lawyer or fail to choose a DUI lawyer carefully.

If by any chance you are charged with driving under the influence offense, the first thing that should click your mind is to find a reputable DUI lawyer. However, finding a good lawyer can be a hectic process, but this should not worry you. This article highlights several things to consider when searching for a good DUI lawyer.

Specialization

Choosing a professional who is an expert in Dealing with DUI Cases should be a top priority. You can be guaranteed that only a professional in this field is well versed with laws relating to driving under the influence. This increases your chances of winning your case. Therefore, choosing a specialized DUI lawyer is no option.

Experience

Besides looking at specialization, you also have to pay close attention to experience. The lawyer you settle for should have experience in handling DUI cases. An experienced lawyer knows the defense tactics to use, and this is precisely what you need. Therefore, in your search process, it is vital to consider someone with years of experience.

References

A good DUI attorney should be in a position of giving you testimonials and references to people he or she has helped before. With a list of their past clients, you can contact these people to have a picture of the level of satisfaction they got from this lawyer. If you get positive feedback, then you can go ahead and hire this attorney.