The Importance of Personal Injury Clients and Lawyers to Size Each Other Up

Choosing a lawyer for your personal injury or wrongful death case is a decision that is similar to picking a partner for marriage. It may be a long relationship and it is always one that commands the two parties, the attorney, and the client, to trust each other. If one party does not trust the other, the common goal of justice cannot be obtained. This is because justice without trust in the result is no justice at all.

9 Factors to Consider When Choosing Personal Injury Lawyers - Ivey Law  Firm, P.C.

I am writing this entry to encourage face-to-face interaction with those seeking legal representation and the actual lawyer who would be trusted with that case. My biggest competitors are out-of-town, big-city lawyers who, in my estimation, rarely actually meet with the injured/aggrieved parties in my area. So it is no surprise that I often get calls from nearby clients of these lawyers telling me that they are not happy with their lawyer because they don’t know what is going on with their case and they do not trust in what they are being told. I always encourage these folks to try to work it out with these lawyers and I do press them to seek a face-to-face meeting, as that nearly always satisfies client concern, at least for the short term.

I know a lot of my competitors, and I will say that most of them are very good lawyers and that their firms are usually reputable. But, to me, there is no substitute for the old-fashioned face-to-face meeting. And I do believe there is still something important in the ability to look someone in the eye.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” – Albert Einstein

How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney

Before I talk about the benefits of personal interaction for personal injury clients, I want to stress the benefit of the lawyer to meet with the client. I nearly always demand to meet with my potential clients face-to-face before my attorney-client relationship begins. I’ve been doing this long enough to be able to identify most potential trust issues early on. For example, when I ask a potential client if they’ve ever had the medical condition that they are complaining of now and they either look down or away, fidget, leave moisture on my glass table, and they answer “no,” then I know to pause and inquire further. I advise them that it does not usually matter if they did have prior issues and that I value trust over preexisting injuries in my clients. If they persist in their denial, I have other methods of verifying the truth, but if I get a bad feeling about a potential client, I will turn down cases on that alone. If I can’t trust my client in the initial meeting, I realize that a jury may have a hard time trusting them at trial.

For injured victims of negligence in Ohio, choosing a personal injury lawyer is easy. If you are in a car accident, your mailbox will likely be flooded with mailings with catchy phrases, DVDs, and all kinds of letters from lawyers all over the state. You can be in Portsmouth, call a lawyer in Toledo, and have a lawyer at your doorstep in a matter of a few hours, or less. But choosing a personal injury lawyer you trust is something entirely different. In the instance of this traveling Toledo lawyer, you will likely never see this person again. He or she is probably just a runner, paid to sign you up as a client. Who is actually handling your case – – at all stages, is a whole other story. While you may still get quality representation, you won’t be able to lock in trust because you will likely feel a void in the relationship.

When new clients don’t meet with the actual lawyer will end up handling their case, they are many times deprived of judging sincerity, which goes directly towards how that person can rely on the lawyer. Meeting with the actual lawyer on your case can also give you the opportunity to judge for yourself that lawyer’s commitment to your case, which goes hand-in-hand with whether you believe that person has integrity. Lastly, by meeting face-to-face with your lawyer, you can judge for yourself their competency and whether you feel they will be consistent in providing results.

How Long Does It Takes for a Medical Malpractice Case to Settle?

If you don’t like the lawyer you meet with, move on to the next one. Because if you don’t like them, a potential juror might not, either, and it is important that you find someone you feel comfortable talking to. And to me, there is no substitute for sharing a cup of coffee with the folks I’ve asked to trust me.

4 Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident

Thousands of car accidents happen across the country every day. Suffering an injury after a car accident can have a traumatic effect on your life. The economic consequences of a car accident can be devastating, even with adequate health insurance and auto coverage. Other costs might include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and home modifications. If another driver’s negligence caused your car accident and subsequent injury, you might be able to build a personal injury claim against them. A personal injury lawyer can assist you with the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Let’s go over some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer after your car accident.10 Things Your Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You - Dailey Law Firm

 

Your Lawyer will Talk to Insurance Companies

One of the most important jobs your attorney will handle is talking to the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Many insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts to victims and will do whatever possible to dismiss the value of a claim or deny it altogether. Our skilled attorneys have good relationships with many insurance providers, and they know how to counter any attempts to deny claims unfairly.

You Can Focus on Your Health

Building a convincing personal injury claim is tedious and challenging. You may need to gather medical records, eyewitness reports, interview specialists and experts, secure official police reports, track your expenses, calculate future costs, and negotiate for a settlement. Keeping track of these tasks is exhausting and overwhelming for clients. You can focus on getting better while our experienced team handles everything for you by hiring an attorney.

Your Lawyer Will Gather Evidence

When it’s unclear who is at fault or the other party disputes liability, certain kinds of evidence can strengthen your claim. For example, crucial eyewitness testimony could ultimately help prove the defendant was at fault for the crash. When you hire an experienced personal injury attorney, you will gain access to valuable legal resources, including experts and professionals who can speak on various elements of the case.

Your Lawyer Will Negotiate a Settlement

Once your claim is prepared, your attorney will help to negotiate a favorable settlement. When determining the value of your claim, our attorneys consider the damages that you have sustained, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Any future medical treatments
  • Lost wages
  • Any other income that you may lose due to lasting effects of the accident
  • Property damage

By working with an experienced and competitive law firm, you can rest assured that we will negotiate the best possible settlement for your injuries. We here at Snyder Law Group are proud to offer our clients a level of service that they can’t find anywhere else.

How to Be a Good Client During Your Personal Injury Case

When you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer, you want to make sure you end up with the right person for you and your case. And that expectation can work both ways. Every lawyer wants a “good client” if at all possible. But what is a “good client,” and how much of being a “good client” is actually within the client’s control?

How To Build A Strong Personal Injury Case

In a nutshell, a good client does whatever is necessary in order to ensure that the case goes as smoothly as possible and that the best outcome (a fair personal injury settlement, or a win in court) can be reached. That means:

1. Respond to Your Lawyer

Clients get pretty upset when their lawyer doesn’t return phone calls. And lawyers feel the same way. If you don’t return your lawyer’s phone calls, emails, or letters promptly, you’re not just wasting your lawyer’s time, you could also be hurting your case.

2. Attend All Medical Appointments

Your health care provider will note any appointment that you miss, and, if you miss too many, the insurer adjuster (or the jury) is going to assume that you must not have been hurt as badly as you claim. This will cost you and your lawyer money. Be sure to keep all of your appointments.

3. Cooperate in the Discovery Process

If you end up filing a personal injury lawsuit in court, the defendant will send your lawyer written questions called interrogatories, as well as document requests. Your lawyer will send these on to you. You will need to promptly answer the interrogatories and provide your lawyer with the requested documents, or your case could be dismissed. Help your lawyer, and help yourself. Respond to all discoveries as quickly as you can.

Practice for your deposition. Your personal injury deposition is a very important step in your case. Your lawyer is there to help you prepare, offer guidance during the proceedings, and even step in if the other side is taking a questionable approach. Follow your lawyer’s advice and recommendations.

7 Things to Do to Help Your Personal Injury Attorney During Your Case

4. Don’t (Always) Blame Your Lawyer

Personal injury clients who are annoyed that their case isn’t going well will often turn on their lawyer and say that it must be the lawyer’s fault.

Some things are indeed a lawyer’s fault, and any client needs to be attuned to that. But some problems that arise in personal injury cases are the client’s fault, and other obstacles are no one’s fault. Some personal injury cases just aren’t that strong (meaning there’s little or no chance of reaching a favorable outcome). Don’t blame the messenger if your lawyer brings bad news. It’s not going to help your case. Get more tips on how much your personal injury case might be worth, and how long the process may take.

For many lawyers, whether they’ll admit it or not, the perfect client is one who does what he or she is told and doesn’t hound the lawyer for updates at every turn. But it’s not in most clients’ best interests to try to live up to that model. There are times that you have to speak up.

If you sincerely believe that there are problems in your case, you can’t always be the “good client.” You have to ask questions. Remember that it is your case, not your lawyer’s. You are the one who was hurt. You have an absolute right to be kept informed about what is going on. It may seem like you are being pesky by asking pointed, probing questions about your case, but you need to protect your interests by staying informed. Learn more about getting help from a personal injury lawyer.

What to Expect when Meeting Your Attorney for the First Time

What to bring for your first attorney-client meeting

Despite what some popular jokes insinuate to the contrary, lawyers are people, too. They understand that it’s common for potential clients to be nervous or anxious when meeting for the first time. Try to remember that attorneys are there to help you. Knowing what to expect can ease your mind.


Preparation

Being prepared will organize your thoughts, refresh your memory, and do wonders for your comfort level. It will also help to focus the meeting so your attorney can give accurate and relevant advice.

• Gather all significant documents. If your attorney has sent you forms to fill out, complete them in advance and bring them with you.

• Write down a brief timeline of events.

• Make a list of all the issues you are concerned about and any questions you want to be answered before you commit to hiring the lawyer. Sample questions include: What kind of strategy would you recommend for handling my case? What are your rates? What additional costs am I expected to pay? Who else in your office will work on my case?

• Think about what you would like the outcome to be, which will help the lawyer determine whether your expectations are attainable.

Consultation

The meeting is an opportunity for you to tell your story, but it’s also important to get to know each other a bit to make sure you feel comfortable working together. Regardless of the reason you are seeking legal advice (personal injury, criminal defense, divorce, bankruptcy, etc.), be honest and as accurate as possible when describing the events. The lawyer will ask questions designed to focus the discussion on the background facts he or she feels are important.

If the lawyer is willing to take your case and you wish to proceed, you will be presented with a retainer agreement, which should be fully explained to you. Do not sign until you understand it. This agreement is a contract that describes your obligations to the lawyer and the lawyer’s obligations to you, including such details as to how you will receive updates about what’s happening with your case, how much the lawyer is charging to handle your legal issue, whether you’re required to make an upfront deposit and how frequently payments are due.

Payment

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With a Lawyer - ANTHEM INJURY LAWYERS


If you need a lawyer for a case that doesn’t involve a claim for money (seeking a divorce, criminal defense, filing bankruptcy), then you will have to pay a “retainer” in advance for the work and then pay by the hour once the retainer is spent. Usually, attorneys with more experience have higher rates than novice attorneys, but the cost often evens out because they may take less time to do the same work. Some lawyers are willing to work out a payment plan so you don’t owe everything at once. If you can’t afford the costs that the lawyer outlines, ask if alternative arrangements can be made.

For cases seeking money, such as personal injury or workers’ compensation claims, the lawyer often agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the amount recovered by the client. This is called a contingent fee arrangement and although percentages vary, one-third (33 percent) is common. If you win, either through settlement or trial, the lawyer is paid for the recovery. If you lose, you don’t have to pay the lawyer anything (of course, you don’t get any money either). The lawyer’s fee is different from filing fees and similar court costs, and, win or lose, the client is usually responsible for their payment.

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By the end of your meeting, you should leave with a clear understanding of what you have accomplished and what is happening next. If all goes well, you’ve found an attorney with whom you’re comfortable and who wants to represent you. While meeting with a lawyer for the first time is a new experience, it doesn’t have to be an intimidating one.

How to Find an Excellent Lawyer

If your legal problem is complex or involves lots of money, you might not want to attempt to handle the entire matter without a lawyer. After all, lawyers do more than dispense legal information. They offer strategic advice and apply sophisticated technical skills to legal problems. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a lawyer who’s willing to serve as your legal “coach” to help you educate yourself to the maximum extent possible and to take over as your formal legal counsel only if necessary.

How to Find the Right Lawyer

How to Find a Good Divorce Lawyer | Terry & Roberts

Locating a good lawyer who can efficiently help with your particular problem may not be easy. Don’t expect to locate a good lawyer by simply looking in the phone book or reading an advertisement. There’s not enough information in these sources to help you make a valid judgment.

Personal Referrals

A better approach is to talk to people in your community who have experienced the same problem you face — for example, if you have a claim of sexual harassment, talk to a women’s group. Ask them who their lawyers were and what they think of them. If you talk to half a dozen people who have had a similar legal problem, chances are you’ll come away with several good leads.

But don’t make a decision about a lawyer solely on the basis of someone else’s recommendation. Different people will have different responses to a lawyer’s style and personality; don’t make up your mind about hiring a lawyer until you’ve met the lawyer, discussed your case, and decided that you feel comfortable working with him or her.

Also, it may be hard to find a lawyer through a personal referral with the expertise you need (for instance, if your friend had a great divorce lawyer, but you need incorporation advice, the referral may not do you much good).

Online Services

Many sites, including Nolo.com, offer a way to connect with local lawyers based on your location and the type of legal case you have. You answer a few questions about your case and your contact information, then the right type of lawyers contact you directly. Talk to a local lawyer.

Nolo’s Lawyer Directory

Our service offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer’s experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer’s general philosophy of practicing law. Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.

Business Referrals

Businesses that provide services to key players in the legal area you are interested in may also be able to help you identify lawyers you should consider. For example, if you are interested in small business law, speak to your banker, accountant, insurance agent, and real estate broker. These people come into frequent contact with lawyers who represent business clients and are in a position to make informed judgments.

Lawyer Referral Services

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

What you may not get from any lawyer referral service, however, is the insight into the lawyer’s philosophy — for instance, whether the lawyer is willing to spend a few hours to be your legal coach or how aggressive the lawyer’s personality is.

Other Sources

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer:

  • The director of your state or the local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers.
  • The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl.
  • A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject — for example, construction law.
  • A women’s or men’s support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Consider a Specialist

Most lawyers specialize in certain areas, and even a so-called “general practitioner” may not know that much about the particular area of your concern. For example, of the almost one million lawyers in America today, probably fewer than 50,000 possess sufficient training and experience in small business law to be of real help to an aspiring entrepreneur.

It can pay to work with a lawyer who already knows the field, such as employment discrimination, zoning laws, software design issues, or restaurant licensing. That way you can take advantage of the fact that the lawyer is already far up the learning curve. Sometimes specialists charge a little more, but if their specialized information is truly valuable, it can be money well spent.

Interview the Prospective Lawyers

When you get the names of several good prospects, the next step is to talk to each personally. If you outline your needs in advance, many lawyers will be willing to meet with you for a half-hour or so at no charge so that you can size them up and make an informed decision.

Personality

Pay particular attention to the personal chemistry between you and your lawyer. No matter how experienced and well-recommended a lawyer is, if you feel uncomfortable with that person during your first meeting or two, you may never achieve an ideal lawyer-client relationship. Trust your instincts and seek a lawyer whose personality is compatible with your own. Look also for experience, personal rapport, and accessibility.

Communication and Promptness

Ask all prospective lawyers how you will be able to contact them and how long it will take them to return your communications. And don’t assume that because the lawyer seems friendly and easy to talk to that it’s okay to overlook this step.

Unfortunately, the complaint logs of all lawyer regulatory groups indicate that many lawyers are terrible communicators. If every time you have a problem there’s a delay of several days before you can talk to your lawyer on the phone or get an appointment, you’ll lose precious time, not to mention sleep.

Almost nothing is more aggravating to a client than to leave a legal project in a lawyer’s hands and then have weeks or even months go by without anything happening. You want a lawyer who will work hard on your behalf and follow through promptly on all assignments.

Willingness to Work With You

When you have a legal problem, you need legal information. Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates — $150 to $450 an hour — you’d quickly empty your bank account. Fortunately, many lawyers will work with you to help you acquire a good working knowledge of the legal principles and procedures you need to deal with your problem at least partly on your own.

If you are hoping to represent yourself and use a lawyer only for advice, make sure the lawyer is open to that type of setup. Likewise, if you’re going into business and will draft your own bylaws or business agreements, ask the lawyer if she’s open to reviewing your drafts and making comments.

The Importance of Personal Injury Clients and Lawyers to Size Each Other Up

Choosing a lawyer for your personal injury or wrongful death case is a decision that is similar to picking a partner for marriage. It may be a long relationship and it is always one that commands the two parties, the attorney, and the client, to trust each other. If one party does not trust the other, the common goal of justice cannot be obtained. This is because justice without trust in the result is no justice at all.

5 Benefits to Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Represent You

I am writing this entry to encourage face-to-face interaction with those seeking legal representation and the actual lawyer who would be trusted with that case. My biggest competitors are out-of-town, big-city lawyers who, in my estimation, rarely actually meet with the injured/aggrieved parties in my area. So it is no surprise that I often get calls from nearby clients of these lawyers telling me that they are not happy with their lawyer because they don’t know what is going on with their case and they do not trust in what they are being told. I always encourage these folks to try to work it out with these lawyers and I do press them to seek a face-to-face meeting, as that nearly always satisfies client concern, at least for the short term.

I know a great deal of my competitors, and I will say that most of them are very good lawyers and that their firms are usually reputable. But, to me, there is no substitute for the old-fashioned face-to-face meeting. And I do believe there is still something important in the ability to look someone in the eye.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” – Albert Einstein

Hiring a personal injury lawyer: Is it worth it?

Before I talk about the benefits of personal interaction for personal injury clients, I want to stress the benefit of the lawyer to meet with the client. I nearly always demand to meet with my potential clients face-to-face before my attorney-client relationship begins. I’ve been doing this long enough to be able to identify most potential trust issues early on. For example, when I ask a potential client if they’ve ever had the medical condition that they are complaining of now and they either look down or away, fidget, leave moisture on my glass table, and they answer “no,” then I know to pause and inquire further. I advise them that it does not usually matter if they did have prior issues and that I value trust over preexisting injuries in my clients. If they persist in their denial, I have other methods of verifying the truth, but if I get a bad feeling about a potential client, I will turn down cases on that alone. If I can’t trust my client in the initial meeting, I realize that a jury may have a hard time trusting them at trial.

Why Are Personal Injury Lawyers Important? | MOM News Daily

For injured victims of negligence in Ohio, choosing a personal injury lawyer is easy. If you are in a car accident, your mailbox will likely be flooded with mailings with catchy phrases, DVDs, and all kinds of letters from lawyers all over the state. You can be in Portsmouth, call a lawyer in Toledo, and have a lawyer at your doorstep in a matter of a few hours, or less. But choosing a personal injury lawyer you trust is something entirely different. In the instance of this traveling Toledo lawyer, you will likely never see this person again. He or she is probably just a runner, paid to sign you up as a client. Who is actually handling your case – – at all stages, is a whole other story. While you may still get quality representation, you won’t be able to lock in trust because you will likely feel a void in the relationship.

When new clients don’t meet with the actual lawyer will end up handling their case, they are many times deprived of judging sincerity, which goes directly towards how that person can rely on the lawyer. Meeting with the actual lawyer on your case can also give you the opportunity to judge for yourself that lawyer’s commitment to your case, which goes hand-in-hand with whether you believe that person has integrity. Lastly, by meeting face-to-face with your lawyer, you can judge for yourself their competency and whether you feel they will be consistent in providing results.

If you don’t like the lawyer you meet with, move on to the next one. Because if you don’t like them, a potential juror might not, either, and it is important that you find someone you feel comfortable talking to. And to me, there is no substitute for sharing a cup of coffee with the folks I’ve asked to trust me.

Things to Expect From a Personal Injury Lawyer

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer | Wilshire Law Firm

If you were injured in an accident and are looking for an experienced and skilled personal injury lawyer to handle your potential case, then you need to know who you may be hiring, and what you may be getting yourself into when you hire them. Our team has put together a list of things you should expect:

1. Invasive questions- When you go to a personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights and options after an accident, be prepared to answer many detailed and sometimes invasive questions. To fully analyze whether you have a claim, your personal injury attorney needs the details, even if they are difficult to recall. Your lawyer can handle your case appropriately and efficiently when they know everything that may be relevant to your claim.

2. Challenges to your story- In most situations, your account of what happened will not perfectly align with the other party’s story. This is to be expected. Every car accident has some gaps or contradictions. Because of this, your lawyer may challenge you. They may question you regarding the truth or validity of your account. All of this is to prepare for the other party’s stance and to find the weaknesses in your case that you may need to address.

5 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer | Studinski Law

3. A wait- Most personal injury cases are not resolved quickly. You may have to wait weeks or months for medical treatment and recovery. Before then, you may not have any reliable way to predict your current and future medical expenses. Depending on the complexities of your case, you may have to go through months of research, legal procedures, and negotiations before you reach a settlement agreement. If your case is going to go to trial, it may take even longer. During this time, you should have full access to your attorney. However, there may be periods of time when you do not hear from your lawyer. Speak with your attorney about the tentative timeline for your claim, and when/how you should expect to hear from them.

4. Realistic expectations You may not like what your attorney has to say about your case. Once your lawyer has had a chance to listen to your story, do some more research, and fully analyze your situation, they will provide an objective opinion regarding your chance of obtaining compensation. Your lawyer will explain the worst and best-case scenarios and the probable outcome that falls in between. Your lawyer may also not recommend fighting over every issue. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows when it benefits you to fight, and when it is time to compromise.

5. A contingency fee- Many personal injury lawyers are compensated based on a contingency fee. This means you do not pay your lawyer unless you successfully resolve your case, either through a settlement or a court award. When you “win,” a percentage of your compensation is paid to your attorney. You may have to pay for court fees or hire an expert witness, however, you will not be forced to pay a large upfront fee or an hourly rate throughout your case. Your attorney will explain what expenses you are and are not responsible for, and the percentage of the contingency fee if you win your case.

Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help You

Personal Injury Attorney in Springfield, Vermont - Brady / Donahue — Brady  / Donahue

At our service, we understand how difficult it is to handle all of the ramifications of an accident. It may be both physically and emotionally painful to address your current circumstances, including injuries, medical treatments, and a potential lawsuit. Our team of attorneys is here to help you with all of the legal and administrative consequences of this accident.

Key Factors to Successful Personal Injury Marketing

When it comes to acquiring clients for personal injury law cases, it is important to have a well-defined marketing plan. Similarly, your firm should have a system of goals and analytics to make sure your efforts are streamlined and keeping up with the competitive marketing arena of 2020.

Consider These 5 Factors of Motorcycle Personal Injury Marketing Success

Given this, we’ve compiled a list of five key factors that every law firm marketing campaign needs to thrive. Read on to learn how you can create a valuable funnel for client acquisition and retention.

1) KNOW THE MARKETING NICHE OF PERSONAL INJURY LAW CASES

This concept applies to how your firm portrays itself in your community as well as any digital efforts to get personal injury cases. Regardless of the overall case scope of your personal injury attorneys and associates, it is vital to market your firm’s specific expertise in personal injury law to get the best potential clients.

This is because in the cutthroat world of digital marketing in 2020, consumer behavior will favor specialists who target their niche. Your firm can have multiple fields of expertise, but try to narrow your scope to the point where you can demonstrate authority on a topic.

Law Tigers has succeeded by being one of the top firms in representing motorcycle accident injury cases. By working in this specific practice area for a long period of time, we have been able to position ourselves as leaders and authorities. This translates to more powerful content marketing, and we recommend aiming for a similar role.

 

Law Firm Marketing

 

2) TRANSLATE YOUR MARKETING INTO LEAD GENERATION

Many law firms have scattered marketing funnels that may be effective or not, but there is no data to back results up. In order to best understand what to continue doing and what to change, we recommend the following:

  • Track how your customers hear about you
  • Monitor your social media content metrics closely
  • Be diligent about A/B testing for all digital collateral
  • Pay attention to CPC, even if your paid ads are profitable; you can always be more efficient.
  • Create multiple methods of contact and re-targeting for already existing clientele.

Once you have already earned a customer’s trust, they will bring you more business and be advocates; this is why conversion efficiency is so important.

3) CREATE A FULL BILLING STRUCTURE FOR YOUR FIRM 

Personal injury lawyers make the majority of their money by winning cases or settling out of court. There are often contingency fees associated with winning, and in the event of a negative result, fees and waivers are often waived.

Law Tiger Event

While this is standard and a practice we recommend, this is also where it helps to have a strong niche and repeat customers. This can especially be lucrative if you are working with large organizations on retainer rather than individuals, and your research and associate time can be billed hourly.

4) CHARGE RATES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR FIRM

One way in which many personal injury firms hamper their profits is by not charging enough for their services. Law Tigers has created an authoritative presence in the motorcycle accident injury field, and as a result we are positioned as industry leaders. Due to this, we are able to charge a proper premium, and our clients are happy to pay for the good service.

This is especially important because personal injury law in and of itself is not highly lucrative relative to some higher-profile fields. Many firms and attorneys are in personal injury because they care about the ethics of these cases. We can speak from long-term personal and professional experience.

If you create a full-service and specialized firm, you will be able to do well in personal injury law. The type of clientele you want to appeal to will understand that they are paying for results and integrity within a personal injury firm. So long as you are fair and consistent in your rate increases, this is a no-brainer long-term.

5) MARKET A FULL-SERVICE PERSONAL INJURY FIRM

This is not the opposite of finding a niche; in fact, it is an accessory to it. While a focus on several key aspects of personal injury law will get you a strong client base, you do not want to exclude requests from anyone. Part of the goodwill a firm can earn is the willingness to explore all options within their expertise, and also be able to refer certain cases to trusted partners.

Law Tiger Event

Studies have shown that clients feel more comfortable when your associates show a willingness to defer a case to another firm. Similarly, you can create a vast network of referring partners from different law offices who will recommend you for your niches. In this sense, sharing the wealth short-term can create massive long-term returns.

Maximize Client Acquisition with Law Tigers

Motorcycle personal injury law is a complex practice that requires efficient marketing to sustain growth. This doesn’t mean that legal marketing itself has to be a source of stress and confusion. At Law Tigers, we have found decades of success by positioning ourselves as the industry leaders in motorcycle accident injury representation.

Law Tiger Event

This knowledge of niche law has allowed us to be valuable marketing consultants to other motorcycle accident law firms. If you are interested in learning how to maximize your team’s efforts for client acquisition and retention, please reach out today; it is a conversation well worth having.

What You Can Expect from the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re looking at prison time or a hefty fine, it’s a good idea to look into hiring the best criminal defense lawyer possible. You may have the ability to get a court-appointed lawyer if your income qualifies.

Simply put: the legal system is designed to make competently representing yourself in criminal trials almost impossible. Even if you have an abnormally high IQ, the system does not work in your favor. Hiring an attorney to represent you in your criminal trial is a necessity.

This article discusses:

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

Because no criminal case is exactly like another, criminal defense lawyers are trained to pick out the parts of each case that make them unique.

In essence, they use their knowledge to find subtle evidence and reasons why you should win the case.

Also, the best criminal defense lawyer for you may be able to spot certain arguments and factors that could mitigate or even negate any potential crime. Even if you are guilty and the evidence is against you, they may be able to help you reduce fines and jail time.

Daily Responsibilities of a Criminal Lawyer

The day-to-day of being an attorney might not seem glamorous. Generally, it involves:

  • Contacting clients through email, phone calls, video calls, or in-person meetings
  • Reading case documents, evidence, and statutes (laws)
  • Taking notes on what would be helpful for the case
  • Forming a strategy for the case

While these activities may seem boring, they are the essential building blocks to making a strong case.

Criminal attorneys often spend months preparing for a case. The preparation can take much longer than actually being in the courtroom. This way, when the case goes to court, things can move as quickly as possible, and there are no surprises in the case.

What Specific Work Does a Criminal Lawyer Do That I Can’t Do?

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer — MCL

After the research and strategy are done, a criminal defense lawyer has many jobs. While in court, they will call witnesses in your defense and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

They need to be dynamic and trustworthy, explain complex topics to a jury, and be prepared to discuss any aspect of the case. And this is just the beginning of the tasks ahead of them.

Specialties and Duties: Plea Bargains

Your criminal defense attorney may work with you and the prosecutor to negotiate a “plea bargain.”

A plea bargain can reduce your potential sentence or eliminate some of the charges brought against you. However, prosecutors are often unwilling to negotiate with defendants that represent themselves.

Specialties and Duties: Sentencing

Your attorney will figure out a good sentencing program for your situation.

If you’re found guilty, your criminal defense attorney may be able to change your sentence. Often, they are changed in a way that would prevent you from winding back in the criminal justice system.

For instance, instead of going to prison for ten months for a drug possession conviction, your criminal defense attorney may suggest a prison sentence of six months and then four months in a drug treatment facility. This approach aims to help you with the drug problem that landed you in trouble in the first place.

Specialties and Duties: Case Outcomes

As hard as it might be to hear, an attorney has the experience and training to provide you with a reality check.

Defense lawyers know what’s going on much better than you will during your criminal trial. They also can predict how a case is going and what the judge or jury’s outcome may be.

Your defense attorney has the advantage of:

  • Remaining objective throughout a proceeding
  • Offering realistic insights into how the trial is actually going

These assessments and reality checks are often essential when a criminal defendant is trying to decide whether or not to accept a prosecutor’s plea bargain.

Specialties and Duties: Rules and Regulations

You can read books on criminal defense, but it takes years of study to grasp this area of law. Your attorney will point out important legal rules and regulations that you most likely wouldn’t find on your own.

Many rules about criminal prosecutions are buried within regulations and laws, and even prior court decisions.

For example, if you were to represent yourself, you may never know if the search that the police conducted of your apartment was lawful or not. To know this, you must understand the many nuances and intricacies surrounding the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Specialties and Duties: State-Specific People and Systems

Most people will find it hard to navigate their case through the state legal system where the case is being heard.

There are written rules, such as the local rules of court, that must be obeyed and followed. There are also often many “unwritten rules” that go along with each jurisdiction.

For example, let’s say only certain prosecutors can make and approve plea bargains. Your criminal defense lawyer may save you time (and maybe even jail time) by talking to the right person the first time.

Specialties and Duties: Consequences of Pleading Guilty

Your attorney can easily explain some of the “hidden costs” that come along with pleading guilty. Many people that represent themselves never think about the consequences of pleading guilty if it could lead to a shorter sentence.

For example, if you plead guilty, you may find it very hard to find a job once you’ve completed your punishment. An attorney will make sure you understand all your options before you plead.

Specialties and Duties: Handling Witnesses

Your attorney is trained in working with witnesses. They will be able to more easily gather evidence and statements from witnesses that are going to be called by the prosecution. Handling this without experience can be challenging for someone representing themselves.

Many witnesses, understandably so, refuse to give statements or information to people that were allegedly involved in a crime for fear of their own safety. However, these witnesses are often much more willing to talk to an attorney about their upcoming testimony.

Specialties and Duties: Handling Investigators and Experts

Part of the case will require finding and hiring investigators and expert witnesses.

Investigators can investigate not only the alleged crime but also the prosecution’s witnesses. If these investigators can find evidence that would make a witness’s testimony less believable, this could help your case tremendously.

Similarly, expert witnesses may be able to present evidence that would tend to show your innocence. They can also rebut evidence that the prosecution presents, making the prosecution’s case less credible.

Reading Books Can’t Replace Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Some criminal defendants seek to represent themselves by researching and reading books. However, reading books that spell out crimes, punishments, and defenses probably won’t lead you to victory in your case.

As any seasoned lawyer will tell you, there’s quite a vast difference between reading about the law and actually practicing the law in court.

Nothing Replaces Courtroom Experience

Understanding the ebbs and flows of a criminal trial can make the difference between winning and losing your case.

“Prosecutorial discretion” is a prime example of these ebbs and flows. Even the simple decision of what to charge a criminal defendant with can be complex. This can make all the difference in how a case is handled.

For example, what may appear to be a simple crime on paper could realistically be cast to be a multiple count indictment or a simple misdemeanor. Criminal defense lawyers are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to figure out what counts to charge.

What Does Someone Need to Do to Become a Criminal Lawyer?

A degree in criminal law requires:

  • A four-year degree from an accredited university
  • Three years of school from an accredited law school
  • A Juris Doctor degree
  • Passing the bar exam in the state they wish to practice in
  • A license to practice from the state

Law students can appear in court while in school if a licensed attorney supervises them.

Many law students will also intern at a law firm before they are hired at a firm. Once hired, attorneys will likely shadow more experienced attorneys to learn the ropes before taking major cases.

Experienced attorneys will have years under their belt in and out of court. Still, newer attorneys are often cheaper to hire. Consider which level of experience better suits your needs.

What Questions Should You Ask a Criminal Lawyer?

Most criminal law attorneys don’t handle every type of criminal case. There is a large difference between defending a DUI and defending a client charged with murder. It is crucial to hire an attorney who has experience in the charges you are facing.

You should also communicate well with the attorney and feel comfortable being honest with them, and the approach they will take in court. Not every attorney is a fit for every client.

You should ask a prospective attorney these types of questions:

  • How long have you practiced law?
  • Have you handled a case like this?
  • What percentage of your time is spent on this specific type of case?
  • Do you focus on a certain area of criminal law?
  • What information do you need/should I prepare for our first meeting?
  • How do you handle fees? (Hourly, on retainer, per case, payment plans, credit cards, etc.)

Get Professional Help From a Criminal Defense Attorney

Hartford Criminal Appeals Attorneys | Barry, Barall & Spinella, LLC

As you can see, a good criminal defense lawyer can make your job easier. They can also improve your chances of winning your case or obtaining a more favorable plea bargain.

Even if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney, there’s nothing keeping you from speaking with an experienced attorney to obtain a second opinion on your case.

If you’re really set on representing yourself in court, you should, at the very least, retain the best criminal defense lawyer possible to act as a coach during your trial.

You can find an experienced criminal defense attorney near you and start by reading reviews and testimonials or having a free phone consultation to ask questions about your case.

The Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney:

The Value of Retaining the Services of the Right Criminal Law Attorney -  Barry Moltz

If you’re the defendant in a criminal case, the best thing you can do for yourself is choose the most reputable criminal defense lawyers possible. And while we all know that the Sixth Amendment provides criminal defendants with the right to legal representation, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses, finding the best possible criminal defense attorney takes a little more expertise than simply reading the Constitution. While you search for the right criminal defense attorneys for you, here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

    • DO: Strongly consider experience
      Experience is one of the most important qualities for a criminal defense attorney to possess. Even if they stayed at the top of their class throughout law school and are more passionate than any lawyer you’ve ever seen, they won’t be able to handle your case unless they’ve handled countless others like it. You wouldn’t trust a heart surgeon to operate on you without having substantial experience, and the same principle applies with criminal defense lawyers. Real life experience is absolutely critical.

 

    • DON’T: Forget to check references
      Another imperative part of your criminal defense attorney search is making sure to check references. Any confident and established criminal defense lawyer will be happy to give you a list of satisfied clients they’ve personally helped. Better yet, ask your friends and family for suggestions if you feel comfortable doing so. The most professional criminal defense attorneys should always come with a recommendation.

 

    • DO: Compare fees
      Obviously, comparing lawyer fees is an important part of the research process. While you do want to work with the most professional lawyer you can afford, it’s critical to not let money cloud your judgment. Again, your criminal defense attorney is there to argue your case to the absolute best of their ability, and the fact is some can simply do it better than others. Don’t assume that the most expensive lawyer is automatically going to provide the best service, and don’t assume that the more affordable lawyers are always less qualified.

 

  • DON’T: Ignore your gut instinct
    More often than not, your gut can tell you whether or not a lawyer will truly do what they say they are able to do. If that gut instinct tells you that one criminal lawyer will be better or worse than another, listen to it.

Criminal Defense Lawyers: A Guide To Finding The Best For You - ELMENS

Ultimately, these are just a few important dos and don’ts to consider when selecting a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss even more tips for finding the best attorney possible.