Red Flags to Watch Out for When Looking for a Lawyer January 14, 2022
The Problem
Whether it’s regarding a family, civil, or criminal matter, searching for a lawyer can be an unwelcome task. But if the necessity arises, finding a competent lawyer can be the difference between remaining free or spending the rest of your life in prison.
In my 22 years of practicing law, both as a prosecutor and now a criminal defense attorney, I have had to clean up the messes of lawyers who didn’t have their client’s best interests at heart. Though there are many different variables that can define what it means to be a “good lawyer”, there are 2 major red flags that everyone can avoid when searching for an attorney.
If an attorney suggests that you should cooperate with law enforcement or the government, pass on them. A lawyer whose initial instinct and suggestion is to work with the government is not prepared to or capable of fighting for your best interests.
You need a lawyer who is a zealous advocate for those they represent, and a track record to back their claims. An attorney with a record of fighting for their client’s fair and proper representation is one you can trust to give you the best chances of getting favorable results. Reviews and testimonials are an excellent way to better understand what kind of lawyer you are about to hire.
If an attorney says that they are friends with the prosecutor or the judge assigned to your case and will be able to get you a better deal because of it, find another lawyer.
They’re lying to you and you’re fooling yourself. No attorney would think twice about sacrificing the relationships that they have built throughout their years of practice. It doesn’t matter how much you are paying or how good a win would look on their testimonials page. They will not break these relationships for you.
You don’t need a lawyer with such little confidence in their abilities that they rely on their connections in the hopes of a favorable outcome. You need a lawyer who will give their 110%, and then some, working on your case and will take the government head on to defend your interests.
These are the two most obvious red flags when searching for an attorney, and there are others as well.
For example, a lawyer to avoid:
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Has no past results, testimonials, or reviews
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Does not properly communicate with you
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Does not have a clear and easy to understand payment structure
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Does not show empathy towards your situation
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Does not have a clear game plan for your case
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Is rude and speaks to you with a condescending attitude
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Is dishonest about the nature of your case for the sake of billing you (i.e. taking you on as a client even if no real legal work needs to be done)
While searching for an attorney, it is crucial to understand that finding a lawyer is not a 5 minute process. The search must be done thoroughly in order to ensure you have the right attorney by your side.
Understand the needs of your case, look up attorneys who practice in the area you are charged in, and learn everything you can about the lawyer and their practice. Look for signs of trust and credibility, results from past cases, testimonials, and other resources they may provide.
Finding the right lawyer takes time and patience – which may be a difficult virtue to have when your freedom is at stake – but doing so will ensure that you receive the best representation from a lawyer who will staunchly defend your freedom.
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