MALawyer
recently joined
Reged: 11/16/11
Posts: 1
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What traits/attributes are you looking for in a lawyer?
And if it's easier to answer by sharing what you do NOT want in a lawyer, then please go ahead and rant about all the things lawyers do/have done to piss you off.
I'm not here to solicit anyone (really, I won't even share my name), I just really want to hear from people about what works and what doesn't so I can learn from it and provide the best service possible. So thanks in advance for any responses.
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Is_it_over_yet
recently joined
Reged: 11/23/11
Posts: 4
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Firstly do not claim you can and will do when you cannot, nore desire to put forth the effort.
Don't side with the other lawyer leaving your client at a great disadvantage because you'd rather be friends with her hot looking lawyer.
Don't tell your client you don't feel like talking to them today because the financials are more effort than you want to contribute.
You took the position to uphold justice honestly and with integrity. Don't ever give less than because you don't "like" your client or dont feel like battling their crazy ex wife. They hired you for a service its your job to give your best because its who you are and your responsibility.
Don't ever sell out. Taking a case you don't have the time or energy for and give them poor service at a high rate. Take a damn vacation don't take it out on those vulnerable to you.
Don't say your a financial expert when your not.
Realize you are holding someones life in your hand. You may drive to work in a BMW but that crappy old impala that isn't worth snot to you could be a lot to someone who is disabled and can no longer work. Make sure you work hard to get back their belongings timely not a year later all busted up and destroyed by the exes irresponsibilty and act like its nothing. Then tell them you are getting sick of their case and you don't want to deal with them when they come to you for help because their belongings are now destroyed.
Don't finish your poker game in plain view while your client waits 45minutes in the lobby to talk to you whom can see you then lie to them.
We have been dealing with lawyers for the past year for my boyfriends divorce from his sociopathic ex wife. I am appauled and saddened by the service we have received. So much bait and switch, we have no idea who to trust or what we can do. I used to think the lawyer jokes were distasteful now I completely understand. Its disgusting this abuse of power is allowed in our country.
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javajunkiee
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 06/01/08
Posts: 3158
Loc: SC
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Outline at the initial meeting your policy on returning phone calls and letters. If a client calls you at 2pm on a Friday because of an urgent issue, when will you call back - same day, next business day, etc.
If a client calls/emails questions pertaining to their case, at the very least respond to acknowledge you received the questions.
If you say you're going to do something, keep your word. If you can't follow through as promised, give the client notice sooner rather than later. Most people are stressed enough if they're involved in legal action; playing guessing games about if or when their atty will follow through only makes people irate.
If you're going to specialize in a field provide some resources a client can use to learn about the legal aspects of their case. Some people won't care to look up info on their own - that's what they pay you for. But there are those clients that want to know what they're up against.
Alot of posts on these boards are met with two responses: 1. What state are you in? and 2. How does your jurisdiction treat cases like yours? Be familiar enough with your area to provide that knowledge, even if its providing a handout of similar cases or directing someone to a web resource.
Not directly related to the client experience but something that will help in the long run is to Get Organized. If I'm correct in my assumption that you're starting your own office, know what processes you're going to use to get things done, and build as many 'shortcuts' into them as possible. Outside of lousy communication skills, a lawyer who can't manage the practical aspects of a case (paperwork, filings, etc) can scare the hell out of a client.
Lastly, if you can afford to, HIRE A GOOD LEGAL SECY who is good with people. That person will take more of the grief off your shoulders than you realize, which will allow you to focus more on winning your clients cases.
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Marriage doesn't come with a money-back guarantee.
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Anything4Love
journeyman
Reged: 10/09/11
Posts: 60
Loc: Virginia
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I want a lawyer who can work with me on the fees. I have someone willing to help me with a retainer, but he wants the lawyer to get approval from him for each charge instead of just using the retainer "at will". That way, he can make sure the amount being charged is an amount I can pay back, so that he is comfortable loaning it to me. I imagine the fees can get way out of hand unchecked! But my lawyer will not work with me on this - he says he needs to be able to use the retainer "at will" and otherwise can only provide hour long consultations and not be the attorney of record. I also would want a lawyer open minded about letting me do some of the research and paperwork myself and letting them check it, to save money and save them time. I also would have liked to be able to hire an attorney "a la carte" to go to court with me, since I can't afford a huge retainer up front!
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