Steps
- Don't try to be your own lawyer. You will lose, and look like a fool. Your case will be more messed up and more expensive if and when you finally get a lawyer.
- Face reality. This is going to be one of the most expensive, difficult things you will ever have to do.
- Take the time to do it right. This can affect your whole life and that of your kids, esp. if you are involved in a divorce or criminal case.
- Take at least 5 full days to go to the courthouse and sit through other people's trials. Sit through the type of trial that you will be facing. Watch other people and their lawyers make awful mistakes. Take a notebook and a pen. Write down the names of good lawyers and bad lawyers.
- Pick your lawyer on the basis of his/her courtroom work. This is critical. Never mind his "reputation", credentials, whatever. You have to watch him work. How does he get on with the judges and other lawyers? How do the clerk, bailiffs and others treat him? You want the lawyer who is smooth, easy, friendly. Avoid the lawyer who is abrasive, argumentative.
- See if you can get recommendations on good attorneys from paralegals and court clerks.
Tips
- This is not about you, your personality, your family history, your religion, your destiny. It's about the law and court procedures. The good judges try to be just, but mostly they try to get things over with and get you out of their courtrooms. They are in a hurry, don't waste their time.
- Always dress well. No leather, chains, piercings, boots, beards, long hair, cleavage, bare midriffs, visible tattoos. Dress the way the attorneys do, even if it costs money. Go to Goodwill and get a used suit, if you have to.
- Listen to your attorney. You are paying him/her a lot.
- Your attorney represents you for money. Don't complain and always pay up on time. No money, no show.
- Always be on time.
Sources and Citations
- www.LaviageLaw.com - A GUIDE HOW TO AVOID HIRING A BAD LAWYER
- www.alawpro.com FINDING AN ATTORNEY
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