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Choosing a Lawyer
Skillful,
competent legal representation can make the difference between winning and
losing your case at trial or on appeal. Select your attorney carefully.
Schedule a personal visit with a prospective attorney without delay.
Any
initial consultation should be free of charge in most situations. You are
interviewing the attorney, and the attorney will be evaluating you and your
case from both a legal and business standpoint.
Frequently
Asked Questions
1. How
many years has the attorney been in practice? Where did he or she go to law
school? Where else has he or she practiced law beside Hawaii?
Does he or she carry malpractice insurance?
2. After
the initial interview and before entering into any contract with a Hawaii
attorney, call the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Honolulu
at (808) 521-4591 and ask if the attorney has ever been disciplined
for professional misconduct or negligence.
Note
that it is entirely possible for an ethical and competent attorney to be the
subject to disciplinary proceedings as the result of a client's complaint,
but the result of the investigation could be that the attorney had acted
correctly, and that no disciplinary action was appropriate.
Conversely,
even if no disciplinary action is on the record, the attorney could still be
incompetent or dishonest. Check further, by asking the prospective attorney
for references.
3. Other
attorneys are often a good source of referrals and recommendations; they may
know who could handle your case competently in the event that they cannot.
Ask for two or three names, and check out each one.
4. What
kinds of cases does the attorney handle on a routine basis? If you have a
military justice or DUI problem, you must find an attorney who emphasizes
these areas of practice.
5. How
many cases similar to yours has the attorney handled recently (past 12
months)?
6. In
court-martial cases, has your lawyer served in the military? In what
capacity, and how long ago? How many courts-martial has he or she handled
recently?
7.
Insist upon a written contract between you and the attorney that states
exactly what he or she will do for you, exactly what the fee will be, and
when the fee has to be paid.
8.
Finally, although more than one attorney you interview may be qualified to
handle your case, choose the one you feel most comfortable with. Personal
rapport is important for both client and lawyer in working together to win
your case.
Email me today for expert help.
The
sooner I can start working together on your defense, the easier it will be to
obtain a positive result.
The best way to reach me is to send me an email with a brief description of your
situation: info@partington-foley.com. You may also send
faxes to (808) 533-4588 or call 1-808-526-9500. The best time to call is
between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30
p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time (0430-0630 hours zulu).
I cannot return international phone calls. Please understand that you cannot obtain
competent advice on the Internet, so do not email me about your case
and expect me to advise you.
Please
note: We do not provide legal services in the area of Veterans Benefits Law.
Contact the local office of the Veterans Administration for assistance, or
consult the Washington, D.C.,
yellow pages for attorneys emphasizing this area of practice.
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Choosing a lawyer survival guide
1. Do not rely entirely upon the advice of friends or upon
advertising claims when evaluating an attorney.
2. Make your own, informed decision. Do not be afraid to ask
pointed, demanding questions.
3. Legal issues are often complex: get an expert opinion.
Earle A. Partington biographical sketch and printable résumé
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