That Certain Something....

Have you checked out the article on selecting an attorney (http://research.lawyers.com/Selecting-A-Lawyer.html)? Great advice and a definite starting point.

But let’s take it a bit further. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “The good lawyer is not the man who has an eye to every side and angle of contingency, and qualifies all his qualifications, but who throws himself on your part so heartily, that he can get you out of a scrape.”

Think about that for a second. By searching for lawyers on lawyers.com, you’ve made the wise decision to use the web's finest resource to check out a lawyer's qualifications, the success of his or her practice, etc…. These are certainly critical indicators and provide a strong sense for skill and competency.…but what about an attorney’s demeanor and the legal profession’s equivalent of a “bedside manner”? What is that "je ne sais quoi" that draws us in and makes us feel like this is a lawyer who will “throw himself on [our] part so heartily”?

After all, there’s a lot at stake and we're often relying on this person for comfort and even sanity. We’re hoping that he or she can help ease the stress--- someone we can trust and who will be willing to essentially hold our hand through what can be a frightening and intimidating process. Is it enough that we've selected someone with a great resume? What if he or she doesn’t seem warm or caring when you meet? What if you get little or no response and/or reassurance on the many questions and concerns you will legitimately have throughout? Isn’t it just as important that we have a lawyer who gives us peace of mind that will enable us to mentally and emotionally carry on effectively with our daily lives even as we’re mired in legal procedures? Absolutely.

Even the most seasoned and battle-worn lawyer will agree that the legal system can be complicated and frustrating even for those accustomed to the maze-like process. So in addition to wanting a lawyer who can bring about a favorable outcome for us, it’s fair that we look to that person to ease our mind as we move forward and to be a rock for us during such a difficult time.

What do you think? If you’ve hired attorneys in the past, what was it about their interaction with you in initial meetings that made you want to choose them to handle your case? Was there something they said or did that made you feel you were in good hands? On the flip side, what turned you off about attorneys you didn’t select? Did the office seem disorganized? Did they treat staff badly? Did they seem not to care about impressing you and winning your business?

We'd love to hear. Share your stories and help others who are in the same boat!