There is no single factor that can make you decide to trust a lawyer, and it also comes with an ounce of good faith. Even though most lawyers are usually honest in their dealings, we can all agree that the industry has its fair share of corrupt attorneys. So, how do you know which ones to trust? It is going to take more than looking around and trusting your instincts. Here are some of the things to look for in an honest family lawyer.
Good listener
Being a good listener is a fitting trait for any person to have. Having any lawyer whether it be a for your family, or a conveyancing lawyer for the business purposes, it’s important they listen effectively; which will help to establish grounds for a stable relationship, help with case building and to find effective strategies. In addition to setting priorities, it also prevents surprises later on that may catch you off guard, especially if the opposing team should discover said information.
Clear-cut billing
The first thing to understand is that lawyers are not cheap. They cannot be blamed all the time because the nature of the service will cause you to pay a bit more. Although it can be a sensitive topic, a lawyer must be able to discuss fees upfront. Mind you, and this will not always generate the best reaction in which case some negotiation skills could come in handy. While each legal matter will come at a different cost, an honest lawyer should still be able to provide you with a reasonable estimate.
Cautious approach
Because not all cases are open and shut, your lawyer should not make any promises on the outcome of the case. Their level of experience will not matter because a good lawyer will know that there are many things to consider when approaching a situation. Instead of getting carried away, they should collect the facts and then present some feasible strategies on handling the case. This also helps to set realistic expectations and removes any premature sense of victory.
Doing a background check
As mentioned earlier, while most lawyers are above board as relates to their practice, there are a few bad ones who want to spoil the bunch. The best way to avoid getting stuck with one of these unethical attorneys is to look into their history. You can start by getting in touch with legal authorities to check if he is in good standing and his license is up to date. You can also look into his reputation to see how well he handles his cases along with his success rate. Talk to other lawyers and get second or even a third opinion before finalising.
Genuine interest
Convincing the jury to rule in your favour is probably one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of being a lawyer. Your lawyer must have a willingness to appeal to the jury when the time comes. If your attorney seems unsure about your case, then it is only natural to be suspicious because his closing arguments can have a lot of weight in the outcome. While it is good to want the best for the client, the lawyer’s job is to prepare you for any result.
As you can see, several things go into choosing the right attorney. Once you find one that meets your expectations, then you can start to build an honest relationship. Mind you, and there are times when you ignore the warning signs because you found one that makes you feel confident in their skill. Always keep your lawyer on his toes and don’t be scared to switch attorneys if you have doubts along the way.
