Looking for a Lawyer - some pitfalls to avoid

If you need to hire a lawyer, look for someone with legal experience, reasonable personality and responsiveness to your needs.

The law is a popular second career. Don't assume that every middle aged lawyer has been a lawyer for decades. I have more than 14 years of experience as a lawyer, and have several more years reviewing contracts, researching legal issues and working with attorneys, in a variety of practice areas. This gives me the background and perspective to assess your legal needs. Many times, an experienced lawyer can provide a quick and simple solution or strategy, when a new attorney, though less expensive on an hourly basis, may spend several hours finding an answer.

I believe that it's also important that a lawyer understands what the client is going through. There are many good attorneys who have never been a party to litigation of any type. While that's fortunate for them, I don't believe that they appreciate their clients' needs as well as those of us who have - unfortunately -had the need to hire an attorney. Being a client gives attorneys new insight, and greater appreciation, for the stress and fear that a lawsuit or legal problem creates.

One attorney advertises on television, "I'm not here to be your friend, When you want aggressive legal representation, call the _________ Law Firm." I am glad that many of my clients call me "friend" long after the litigation is done. I am blessed by clients who refer their family and friends to my office and continue to consider me their attorney long after the final judgment is entered. Some of my colleagues are not so inclined.

Attorney Sarah C H Phillips says: "Aggressive behaviors run up legal fees, destroy any real chance of cooperation between parents, and leave children as the victims of litigation . . . Unfortunately I do still encounter lawyers who seem to believe that aggressive behaviours are what is expected of them. It's never helpful to have your client crying on the phone because of the latest obnoxious letter from the other side that does nothing to progress the case and everything to alienate the parties from each other further."

A great article on Aggressive Lawyers can be found here: http://benchandbarllc.com/aggressivelawyer/?goback=%2Egde_96041_member_244083492

I like the line: Good Lawyers Don't just "Try" cases; Good Lawyers Try to "Resolve" cases. 

Most important in Resolving Cases is responding in communication. When a client calls, or when an attorney calls, an answer should be forthcoming. I like to answer my own phone. I do not screen calls. My staff answers if I am in conference or on the other line, but never because "so and so" is calling!

When you need to talk, call me at 407-645-3297. You can also send an email to aubrey@aubreylaw.com or visit my website at www.aubreylaw.com
I look forward to hearing from you! Aubrey

Thankfulness is Appreciated

I received a Thank you Note several years ago which said:

Each and every day . . . I am more and more astonished that I have found such a perfect place to work.

I've had to work at a few horrible jobs and tolerate a few terrible bosses throughout the years . . .

I've also had wonderful jobs and caring employers, but . . .

it is the rare thing to find a place where one feels respected, understood, trusted and appreciated.

It is even more unusual to find a place where I can be myself and still be accepted.

Truly extraordinary is to have all those things and more, and enjoy the work, as well.

I just wanted you to know that I am happier here than I have been at any job . . . ever.

I just wanted you to know . . .
that I know how fortunate I am and that I am grateful . . . for everything.

Obviously, this came from an employee. She was with me for more than three years and I always appreciated her hard work, although I probably never said "Thank you" enough.

I am trying to thank all my clients, especially those who so frequently call me to refer a friend. It is a dear compliment to have one client refer more clients. I am always thrilled when my mentors,other attorney friends and even judges refer business my way; this lets me know they think highly of my work and are willing to trust their friends and family to my care.

I am truly blessed with wonderful friends. Thank you.

If we haven't spoken in a while, call me at 407-645-3297, or visit my website at www.aubreylaw.com