HOW TO PICK A LAWYER

There are a number of books, written for people with legal problems, on how to select an attorney. There is no law school class on how to select an attorney. However, future lawyers are taught that clients have certain rights such as a right to zealous representation and a right to have their attorney diligently advocate their interests within the bounds of the law and applicable legal ethics. Clients are entitled to know the identities of the individuals, attorneys and staff, who will be responsible for the handling of their case. Clients have the right to a written fee agreement clearly describing the financial arrangements with the lawyer and what services will be provided by the lawyer in return for the lawyer's fee. Clients have the right to refuse to enter into any fee agreement that is unacceptable to them. Clients have the right to itemized bills for the services provided by an attorney on an hourly rate. Clients have the right to attend all court proceedings unless prohibited from doing so by the court. Clients have the right to make the final decision on all issues relating to their case so long as their position is legal and ethical.

I have learned, as both a law student and practicing attorney, that one of the primary causes of client complaints is a lawyer's failure to communicate with the client. My clients will be provided copies of all documents obtained by in their case. Clients should have access to and be able to get in touch with their lawyers. Clients should have their telephone calls returned. Interestingly, numerous clients have retained me to substitute my appearance for other attorneys in their cases, and when I have obtained and reviewed their files, in many cases, we have discovered that the attorneys were providing competent legal services. However, even while doing their jobs, the attorneys had failed to communicate with the clients.

These "client's rights" are incorporated into my fee agreement and represent the standard that can be expected of my firm and me.

Responsibility is not a one-way street. Clients also must share some responsibility in preparing and presenting the their cases. Over the years, I have observed problems arise because clients have failed to provide full and accurate information to their attorneys. Sometimes clients have failed to attend meetings, obtain requested documents, participate in a timely or reasonable fashion as requested by their attorneys or notify their attorneys of major changes that could be expected to impact on the handling of their cases. Sometimes clients fail to pay for legal services rendered within the time required under their fee agreement with their attorneys.

John Wendell Beavers, Esq.

John Wendell Beavers & Associates, P.C.

(a professional corporation)

1518 Walnut Street, Suite 800

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone: 1-215-732-0600

Office Email: trial.lawyer@verizon.net

Home Email: jwbesq@comcast.net