Client-attorney relationships are built on trust. It’s important that the attorney you hire for legal advice and represent you in legal proceedings is experienced and trustworthy. According to the Supreme Court of Ohio, there are several essential duties a lawyer owes to his or her client.
Every lawyer in Ohio should abide by these duties:
- use good judgment
- carry out the wishes of the client
- keep client information in confidence
- work hard to represent the client
- charge a reasonable fee
- protect client funds placed in the lawyer’s control
- not discriminate
- provide regular updates to the client about their case
When looking for a lawyer to represent you, here are a few things you should do to ensure the right attorney for you.
Ask for referrals
There are a few different ways to get referrals for the attorney you are considering. An online search can give you real feedback from previous clients, like how the attorney conducted business if the client got the result they wanted, how responsive the attorney was to their needs, and other important feedback.
Ohio’s highest court maintains and regularly updates a list of organizations that provide high-quality referrals for professional, ethical, and fully credentialed lawyers. When searching for a consultant law firm in Ohio, this list is a great source for finding trustworthy attorneys. Ohio requires that attorneys must maintain a license to practice law issued by the Ohio State Bar Association and practice according to the rules and standards set by the Ohio Supreme Court.
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Look for red flags
Online reviews not only provide a good source for attorney referrals, they also provide insight into attorney reliability and trustworthiness. Most businesses are bound to receive negative feedback from time to time, often from clients who didn’t get the results they wanted. While this can be expected, a large number of negative reviews is definitely a red flag.
If the attorney you’re considering has lots of negative reviews about lack of communication, lack of interest in the case, or being difficult to reach, look somewhere else.
In addition to online reviews, you can also check the Ohio Supreme Court’s online records of lawyers who have been disciplined for violating client trust or failing to live up to other professional obligations.
Interview your attorney
The final step in choosing the right attorney for you is the interview. Some important questions to ask are:
- How many years have you been in practice?
- How would you handle my case?
- How many cases like mine have you handled, and what were the outcomes?
- How many lawyers will work on my case?
- What are the costs of your service?
Remember: The lawyer works for you
Never forget that attorneys work for you. If you were looking to hire an employee to fill a specific role in your company, you would review their resume and speak with former employers. The same goes when hiring an attorney.
Once you’ve made a list of attorneys you feel can be trusted with your case, start acting like an employer. Check out client testimonials, review case results that are similar to yours, and read the attorney’s professional bio. Visit each law firm’s website to conduct your own “background check.”
Social media platforms are always a great way to vet your potential choice. Although you aren’t searching social media looking for a friend, you will be able to determine if the attorney you are looking to hire is knowledgeable and approachable based on how they interact on social media.
If you are looking for a business litigation law firm or consultant law firm, are in need of legal representation for real estate transactions, family law, white collar criminal defense, business transactions, or estate and probate needs, Gertsburg Licata has the knowledge, experience and reputation to get the results you need.
Gertsburg Licata is a full-service business law and strategic advisory firm representing and serving entrepreneurs and executives of start-up & middle-market enterprises in business matters. Call 216-573-6000 or use our inquiry form to schedule a consultation today
