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believerjeff · Feb 19, 2007, 08:27 PM

My last three attorneys were the most negligent and uncaring consultants I have ever seen and I had to learn that the hard way. How can I make an educated decision on my next lawyer so I can continue to try to save what's left of my finances?

My advice to all others seeking an attorney:

Do NOT trust them to look out for you, they won't remember your case or your name from one visit to the next. They don't look deeply or even shallowly at your case and really think about your options.

Read everything sent to you and ponder it. Write down any and every question in detail that comes to your mind and ask it.

Ask them to provide all of their advice in writing and ask them general questions like "what are my options", but only AFTER you already have researched your options online. You'll be surprised how often they don't think about or don't know the laws and available options. Ask both what your cheapest option is AND what your safest option is.

Do not trust the opposing party to do anything ethical. I don't think you have to file interrogatories if your judge issues an affidavit, but you probably WILL have to tell your lawyer to file a motion to compel in order to get that affidavit from the other party. If you have any doubts, file interrogatories also.

Ask for monthly billing statements and make sure you get them and dispute anything that looks like an exploitation. They pull up most documents and change the name, then charge you 30min as if they drafted the document from scratch.

READ YOUR CLIENT ATTORNEY agreement. Make sure it says that only your attorney can represent you and only meet with your attorney if you trust them. Even if you think things are going in one direction make sure and tell them to expect anything and be prepared for everything.

lacourset · Mar 9, 2007, 10:06 PM

Ditto!

I've gone through 3 bad ones also. I ended up representing myself the last time. I'm eager to hear the responses to your question.
T

Fr_Chuck · Mar 10, 2007, 07:40 AM

Plus understand that every case can not be won and since there are two sides in a case, one is going to lose. So one attorney telling their client they will win is wrong.

Often the client expects it to work like on TV and that even if they are in the right, they will win, it does not happen.

And attorneys are entitled to their pay, and they are not cheap,
A plumber gets so much for just showing up, and an once should not expect less from an attorney.