Expertise
It would be best to look for a lawyer with expertise in cases similar to yours. For example: If you think you were misdiagnosed or mistreated by a doctor, looking for law firms that handle medical malpractice claims would be best. If you're looking for representation in the purchase or sale of land, you'll likely want to contact a real estate attorney. If you are injured after a slip and fall in a grocery store, you may want to call a personal injury attorney. Hopefully, a quick Google search to the effect of "what type of lawyer handles [insert the reason you're seeking a lawyer]?" will be beneficial.
Be mindful that some law firms offer expertise in several different areas of the law. At Miller Stern Lawyers, LLC, our seasoned team has substantial experience handling cases involving medical malpractice, birth defects, personal injury, and securities litigation.
Communication Skills
Try to find a lawyer with good communication skills. Competent lawyers communicate with their clients often. They answer clients' questions and update them regularly on the status of their cases. They return phone calls and reply to emails. Even if you're just a potential client, a good lawyer will take the time to communicate with you.
If your case goes to trial, you want a lawyer you can trust to effectively advocate on your behalf in front of a judge and jury. You don't want the results of your case to suffer because your lawyer failed to articulate your rights and interests fully.
Professionalism
A lawyer with a strong reputation in the community will serve you well. Judges and adverse parties are likelier to cooperate and negotiate with a well-liked and well-respected lawyer. A lawyer with a solid professional reputation is always on time, prepared, and respectful. Be wary of lawyers sanctioned by the courts or disciplined by your state's bar association.
In Baltimore, you can check the Attorney Grievance Website for a record of disciplinary actions against Maryland licensed attorneys. It could help if you used this resource to ensure the lawyer you hire is in good standing within your jurisdiction.
Compassion
A compassionate lawyer is a good listener. For an attorney to effectively represent you, they must truly understand and appreciate your unique interests and concerns. Look for a lawyer who listens to your wants and needs and verify that the attorney can articulate those interests back to you.
A compassionate lawyer lets you know that your case matters. They take all their matters seriously and approach each claim with the same level of commitment. They are always up to speed on their client's case status.
A compassionate lawyer is approachable. You should feel safe speaking with your attorney. You will often have to divulge sensitive information to your lawyer, so you want an attorney who will sympathize with that difficult position. Find a lawyer you can trust to withhold judgment so that you can comfortably talk about those delicate topics.
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Ultimately, you want to make sure your lawyer is someone you can trust to represent you zealously and get you the relief you need. Pick a lawyer that knows how to deliver you the best possible results. Here at Miller Stern Lawyers, LLC, we will do anything we can to help our clients win. Our team has successfully represented thousands of clients and has contributed to settlements and verdicts collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars. We handle cases of all complexities and leave no stone unturned when fighting for our clients.
If you believe you have a medical malpractice, birth defect, personal injury, or securities claim, let our team help you. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Miller Stern Lawyers, LLC through an online form or at 410-LAW-FIRM.