Seeking local legal assistance?
Selecting the ideal attorney may appear to be a tedious and perplexing job. There are hundreds of lawyers out there vying for your attention. Every attorney claims to be the best at what they do. But here’s the deal…
Not all attorneys are made the same.
There is a difference between the attorneys who have proven track records and the lawyers who think they know everything, but in reality, they know very little. The ideal attorney can be the difference between winning your case and losing everything you care about. So how do you identify the professionals from those trying to pass themselves off as attorneys?
Local Legal Expertise
What’s the best benefit of choosing a local attorney?
They have the relevant experience of the local area.
This isn’t a reference to the attorney knowing local hangouts or where to buy your favorite coffee. I am referring to attorneys who have had the necessary experience of the local area in which they practice law.
This is important because a seasoned attorney will have had the benefit of being exposed to court processes, staff, and court rules which are normally practiced in a specific locality.
The ideal attorney will have built relationships with local court staff and other attorneys. This will make cases be processed smoothly because the local attorney will know the personnel and other factors in that local jurisdiction like the back of their hands.
Proven local attorneys will have previous cases just like yours in the same courts you will appear in.
Let’s go deeper and you will be amazed at the core difference a local attorney has. They will also know the judges presiding over the courts and which types of arguments are more preferred. Additionally, a local attorney will have more information about other local laws which also can apply to your case.
You have the choice.
Would you rather have an attorney who comes to your local courthouse for the first time? Or one who confidently knows their way around like they were born there because they have been there hundreds of times?
There is nothing random about choosing an attorney.
The choice in this scenario is not hard to make. Having an attorney who is familiar with the locality of your courthouse will be more likely to navigate the environment and give you a competitive edge.
Local doesn’t just mean they are from the area. It also means quicker response time and easy in-person meetings. You don’t have to deal with attorneys in different time zones or trying to find time to meet face-to-face.
Track Record
A lot of people, including some attorneys, like to think past performance doesn’t matter.
Here’s the truth.
Past performance in law absolutely matters.
Track record tells you everything you need to know about an attorney. Ask about their win/loss record, case history, and client feedback. You want someone with a history of success in cases like yours.
Statistics indicate that 91% of clients with an experienced attorney have received some form of settlement payout in their case. Meanwhile, only 51% of those who choose to go it alone without legal representation receive any payout. That’s nearly double the success rate.
The statistics speak for themselves.
The truth is, not all wins are created equal, though. A proven attorney should have the following:
- Case results to prove it
- Testimonials and reviews from past clients
- Awards and recognition from legal groups
- Years of experience in their practice area
Don’t take their word for it, ask. A true confident attorney is not afraid to provide you with all the information you need.
Communication Skills
You might be surprised to learn…
The smartest and most well-trained attorney is no good to you if they can’t communicate effectively.
Your attorney needs to be able to articulate the complicated ins and outs of your case in a way you can understand. They shouldn’t be speaking in jargon or talking down to you. They should provide clear, concise answers that help you make informed decisions about your case.
Good communication means:
- Returning calls and emails promptly
- Regularly updating you on case progress
- Explaining your options in plain language
- Listening to your concerns
New research indicates that 77% of attorneys report satisfaction with firm collegiality — but client satisfaction is arguably more important.
You should never feel like you are in the dark when it comes to your own case. A good attorney will make you feel like you are a valued partner in the legal process, not just another billable hour.
Client-First Approach
Something separates the good attorneys from the best…
Attorneys that put your needs first, above all else.
A client-first approach means your attorney is fighting for you every step of the way. They return your calls and texts. They lay out your options clearly. They will go above and beyond to get the best possible outcome for you.
What does this look like in real life?
Flexible meeting times to accommodate your schedule. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Honest feedback about your case. Accessibility whenever you need them.
Statistics show that two-thirds of lawyers are happy with their current legal careers — but client satisfaction should be the true measure of an attorney’s success.
Are you happy with the service you are getting? Remember, you are not just hiring legal expertise. You are hiring someone to be your advocate and fight for you.
Specialization
Here’s one thing to clarify…
Your attorney does not have to be Jack-of-all-trades to be a master of one.
No attorney can specialize in every area of law and be truly great at it.
You would not see a family law attorney as your criminal defense lawyer, right? It is not personal, it is just professional. Specialization matters because different practice areas require different skills and knowledge.
The most successful attorneys focus on a specific practice area:
- Personal injury law
- Criminal defense
- Family law
- Business law
- Estate planning
When an attorney specializes, they become experts in their area of focus. They know the relevant laws and regulations inside and out. They understand the common challenges and have effective strategies to overcome them.
What’s the bottom line?
A specialist attorney will almost always be more effective than a generalist when it comes to your specific legal issue. They have seen cases like yours many times before.
Don’t settle for an attorney who does “a little bit of everything.” Find one who specializes in the area you need help with.
Resources and Support Systems
Here is one last thing you need to consider.
Behind every great attorney is a robust support team.
Solo practitioners can be great, but they have time and resources constraints. Larger firms with support staff can handle more complex cases and offer more comprehensive services.
Look for attorneys with the following:
- Paralegals and legal assistants
- Access to expert witnesses
- Research capabilities
- Administrative support
Support team means your attorney can focus on what they do best – litigating your case. They don’t have to do everything by themselves, which saves time and increases efficiency.
In summary, these are the key attributes that every proven attorney should have:
- Local legal expertise
- Proven track record
- Excellent communication skills
- Client-first approach
- Specialization in their practice area
- Robust resources and support team
This information should be helpful when making your decision. Remember, the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. Don’t settle for less than the best. Good luck with your search!
The bottom line on proven local attorneys:
The real secret to legal success.
Proven local attorneys already have all the attributes mentioned above in this post.
The most important thing to consider when choosing the right attorney is having local attorneys with a proven track record. Local attorneys understand their local area’s rules and regulations better, and a proven track record ensures that your attorney has been in practice for a while and knows what they are doing.
The choice is yours.
