How to correctly choose a litigation lawyer?

Law school professors teach their students ethics and integrity from day one, emphasizing the importance of these guidelines in the legal profession. Unfortunately, not all lawyers adhere to these principles in their professional practice.

In this article, we will discuss how to correctly choose a litigation lawyer and how to avoid falling into the hands of an unscrupulous lawyer or, worse, a scammer posing as a lawyer.

1. Absence of questions at the first meeting

At the first contact with a lawyer, pay attention: does the lawyer ask clarifying questions? If they do, it is most likely that they are genuinely trying to understand the circumstances and nuances of the case.

If no questions arise, it is, at the very least, strange, since for a professional it is always important to understand the circumstances of the client's case and what outcome the client wishes to obtain in court.

If the lawyer does not ask clarifying questions, you should reconsider their candidacy.

2. Conclusions without studying the documents

After the lawyer has clarified the essence and circumstances, they will ask their client for the documents that confirm them.

Documents are very important, as to choose a legal position it is not only necessary to discuss the situation verbally, but also to study the documents, as well as current judicial practice in this category of disputes.

There are judicial disputes in which several positions can be adopted simultaneously. Choosing the most correct one, which is most likely to lead the client to the desired outcome, is only possible after studying the documents.

If the lawyer does not request the documents, there is a risk that they are dishonest.

3. The lawyer gives guarantees.

There are disputes in which a lawyer can guarantee a result, but they are insignificant.

In other cases, the lawyer cannot guarantee victory to their client, but they can assess the chances and feasibility of the case. Furthermore, lawyers are, in principle, prohibited by law from guaranteeing victory in court.

A lawyer who guarantees winning in court is usually dishonest. Their task is to obtain money, and the supposed guarantee is just a method to sell such services.

It should be noted that all fraudulent quasi-legal companies "catch" their clients precisely with the promise of winning the case.

A competent and conscientious lawyer will inform their client in advance about the existing risks in the judicial process, based on the studied documents and judicial practice, and will never give 100% guarantees of obtaining the desired result: a court decision in favor of the client.

4. Collaboration without a contract, unofficial payment.

A litigation lawyer works with the client within the framework of a contract (agreement) for the provision of legal services. Otherwise, they become a "shoemaker without shoes" or a person who intentionally evades official formalization. Why do they do it? The reasons can be most unpleasant.

If the lawyer insists on collaborating without a contract (agreement), it is a reason to be alert.

5. "I know the judge/prosecutor/official."

The first option: most often, behind such words hides dishonest behavior with the sole purpose of deceiving to sell a necessary legal service at a higher price. The second option: you have encountered a jurisprudence scammer.

If there is anything behind such promises, the client will run the risk of getting into trouble and becoming the main defendant in a criminal case for bribery.

All the described scenarios, in our opinion, are unacceptable.

Do you want to go to court, but don't know how? Do you need help drafting a lawsuit? Do you need full support for the judicial process? Request a legal consultation at the company "Pravo y Slovo" at law@pravoislovo.We will find out the circumstances of the case, study the documents, and propose solutions!