Searching for an attorney can be overwhelming. There are so many that claim to to be the best fit for your type of case, but it’s hard to make a choice because your fate in court essentially lies in their hands. Barry Bobbitt, a criminal attorney located in Dallas suggests: “Interview several attorneys before you make your decision. Start with family and friends for recommendations. Finding the right attorney from the beginning will save you time, money and potentially your future, so spending the time and effort is worth it.” The following are some more tips we gathered on avoiding bad attorneys during your search for representation.
Watch Out for Few Meetings or Poor Communication
Before you hire an attorney, you might want to pay attention to how well he/she responds to your messages or phone calls. Is it difficult to arrange a consultation? An attorney that avoids meetings or is hard to keep in touch with could be a hint into a bad situation. Additionally, if past clients have reported difficulties with receiving updates on their cases from the attorney, this could also be a bad sign. An attorney should show genuine interest in wanting to take your case on before you make the decision to hire them.
Steer Clear of Inexperience
Not many people understand how crucial and important it is to hire an attorney that has adequate experience in the particular case type at hand. Not a single attorney is perfect, but when he/she makes poor decisions that could risk a loss of the case, this is a significant problem. It can be hard to detect this type of warning sign early on, but sometimes, it is identifiable through poor organization. If you sense that the attorney has trouble staying on top of things, it’s a good idea to keep looking.
Look for Dishonesty
Dishonesty can come in many forms, and it is never okay. A dishonest attorney might try to concoct a case based on false evidence, or he/she might try to use a false witness to strengthen the case. Additionally, a dishonest attorney might take much longer than necessary to work on a case only in an effort to assess higher fees. Attorneys that incorporate dishonest practices into their work are only thinking of the check that they will get at the end of the case, and they should be avoided at all costs.
Ask for His/Her License
It may seem a little straightforward and awkward to ask the attorney in question about his/her license, but it could save you from dealing with someone that is not even licensed to represent people in court. Remember; just because you see an advertisement on television or in the newspaper for an attorney does not immediately mean that they are legally licensed to practice law. Make it your first priority once you walk into their office to ask for a physical copy of their license. You can also find licensed attorneys and lawyers in your area by using the American Bar Association’s Lawyer Directory.
Ask About References
Lastly, you will want to get references from the attorney that prove he/she knows their stuff. If the attorney is hesitant about providing them or avoids showing them to you altogether, keep searching. Checking into what others’ experiences have been like with that particular attorney can save you a lot of time, money, and headache from an unfortunate situation. Because of this, you should beware any attorney that is reluctant or combative about providing references.
Remember these tips next time you receive a consultation from an attorney. If he/she alludes to any of these traits, turn around and keep your search going for the right one!
