| Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task for | | | | General PractitionerYou should know the name |
| many not familiar with the law. Just as with any | | | | and phone number of a general practitioner with |
| profession, there are good attorneys and not so | | | | an office close to your home or business. |
| good attorneys too. Here are a few items to | | | | Unfortunately, many of us only think to locate an |
| consider in the selection of any trusted advisor: | | | | attorney when a specific need arises. Often such |
| - Lawyers are Humans We are all humans. If you | | | | needs are due to a sad or stressful event - a |
| think that an attorney has attained some level of | | | | time when most people are apt to make rushed |
| humandome unavailable to those of us lesser | | | | or emotionally charged decisions. This may include |
| mortals - WAKE UP! Along with inspiring a feeling | | | | signing a retainer with an attorney simply to |
| of trust, respect and the certainty that you can | | | | move a process along (such as a divorce or |
| discuss anything with your attorney; ultimately, | | | | probate) rather than to establish a trusted |
| you are going to get better service from a | | | | relationship. But you can't know what type of |
| practitioner you like. It's a fact - humans like to do | | | | attorney you will need until the time arises - which |
| business with humans they like. Do you like your | | | | is why you should know a good, general |
| doctor? What about your accountant? Same | | | | practitioner - to use for little items like applying for |
| principle applies to attorneys. | | | | a permit or working through a traffic violation. |
| - The Consultation is KeyThe consultation is | | | | This person then becomes a trusted resource for |
| generally where an attorney will meet with the | | | | a referral to a specialist, when needed. Think of it |
| potential client and learn/discuss the merits of the | | | | like your general doctor who referrals you to |
| case. Call it a "consultation" but consider it an | | | | medical specialists when needed - same concept |
| interview of the attorney. This means if one | | | | only there's no insurance company footing the bill! |
| party takes calls or is otherwise distracted, | | | | ;) A general practitioner is also a great resource |
| unpleasant or disrespectful of the other's time - | | | | to go over the legal ramifications of an issue or |
| part ways IMMEDIATELY. Make sure to discuss | | | | event. |
| how/when you are kept informed as a client on | | | | - Laws Don't Remove the Need for Judgment or |
| the status of your case; a contact telephone | | | | Common SenseThe law can be so stupid. This |
| number for a support staff member you should | | | | short film [ illustrates how breaking something |
| contact should the attorney be unavailable; and | | | | down to the lowest common denominator ends |
| any other issues regarding the management or | | | | up being where it all began in the first place! Only |
| details of your case you feel is relevant. | | | | after numerous law suits and the creation of |
| - You are Paying for a Service - Not an Outcome | | | | organizations, institutions and laws to protect the |
| Everyone forgets this. Throwing gobs of money | | | | differences rather than advance the common. |
| and hiring only the most costly lawyer has little | | | | The law is not always right and a very astute |
| effect on the outcome of your case - other than | | | | attorney once told me a successful negotiation is |
| assuring the attorney will get a great deal of | | | | where everyone walks away feeling like they lost. |
| exposure from your matter should it be | | | | Very rarely does one "win" when the judicial |
| newsworthy. Ultimately, you need a champion - | | | | system is in play. |
| someone willing to put in the time and thought | | | | In the end, it is up to you - the potential client - |
| required to protect or advance your case. A | | | | to use your best judgment and apply common |
| smart, resourceful associate or single practitioner | | | | sense to every situation, including hiring an |
| with lower overhead can be the perfect fit. | | | | attorney. |
| - Know The Name and Phone Number of a | | | | |