Important qualities in a lawyer

Overview

There are a number of factors that affect your choice of a lawyer. If the claim is not a contingent fee accident claim, how much can you afford and how expensive is the lawyer? Does the lawyer handle cases in your area? Does the lawyer handle your type of case?

Aside from these factors, there are three qualities that you should look for in a lawyer.

Ethics: A Good Lawyer Is an Ethical Lawyer

An ethical lawyer is a better lawyer. Long-established rules of ethics govern the legal profession. These rules include rules that require lawyers to be truthful with the court, to avoid misuse of client funds and avoid filing frivolous claims.

Judges, other lawyers and insurance adjusters know which lawyers have a good ethical reputation and they deal with the ethical lawyers more favorably.

If a lawyer says or does anything that suggests they are willing to operate outside the bounds of ethics to win your case, do not hire that lawyer.

Diligence: A Good Lawyer is a Hard Worker

Effort will not guarantee a favorable result but lack of effort will guarantee failure.

To be a hard worker a lawyer must keep appointments, follow through with promises and meet deadlines as promised. A lawyer does not need to work long hours to be hard worker.

If the lawyer comes recommended by family or friends, ask about that lawyer's work ethic. Do they work hard? Do they follow through? Are they reliable and punctual?

Experience: A Good Lawyer Is Experienced But Not Undefeated

Good lawyers win more than they lose, but they do lose. Be wary of any attorney who claims they never lost a case. If they are telling the truth, they have either tried too few cases or they only go to trial on the easiest cases, abandoning the tougher claims.

Experience is critical. Make sure the lawyer has experience in the general area of law you needs, for example contracts, real estate, personal injury, medical negligence or wrongful death. It is not critical that the attorney handled a matter identical to your claim. In truth, no two claims are identical.