Through a journey in the criminal justice system, people inevitable run into their fair share of good and bad lawyers. Choosing the right lawyer can be daunting and a little scary, especially if you’re facing charges. Quality legal representation can make or break your case.
So, let’s say you’ve hit the internet, you’ve done some research, and you’re still overwhelmed; how do you know if a lawyer is actually “good”?
Knowing what I know now, here’s the non-legal advice I have for choosing a “good” lawyer.
1. They Have Relevant Experience
Experience is one of the most critical factors in choosing a lawyer. A good lawyer should have a proven track record in the specific area of law that pertains to your case.
Think about it this way: just like doctors have specialties, many lawyers do, too. You wouldn’t go to a foot doctor for brain surgery. So if you’re dealing with a specific issue, you want a lawyer with a proven track record of handling a particular kind of case. You also want to avoid a jack of all trades. No lawyer is going to be good at every kind of case.
Use DuckDuckGo to search their name and look for honest reviews; keep in mind that lawyers CAN have unfavorable reviews removed from the internet or find ways to censor bad ones. Search for local news coverage; see what kind of cases have come up and whether they won.
If you like what you’ve found and feel comfortable, THEN schedule the meeting with the potential lawyer; ask about their experience with cases similar to yours. A lawyer who has handled numerous cases in your area of concern will be able to provide insight into your legal rights and a realistic assessment of your case. This could be your whole life at stake; you don’t want someone who has no idea what they’re doing touching it with a ten-foot-pole.
Real Life Example
In one case, an attorney was NOT at all as experienced as he had let on. He had only been practicing for a few years and we had no idea until it was too late. So when you’re scared, overwhelmed, and you don’t have very long to act, you end up with a lawyer who does not great things. And in this case, they failed to properly document the plea deal and then hid communication between him and the Prosecutor that proved the plea deal’s existence. DON’T LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU. The system typically moves very slow; take your time in finding a good lawyer.
2. They Are Transparent About Fees
From day one, a good lawyer will be upfront about the fees you’ll be facing and what costs what. They will explain how they charge (hourly, flat fee, or contingency) and give you an estimate of the total cost, so you don’t encounter any surprise bills later. Any lawyer who is vague or reluctant to discuss costs is not someone you want to deal with. Transparency is critical; if a lawyer can’t give you a clear explanation of fees for your case, or doesn’t stop to understand what’s required in your case to accurately bill you, RUN.
You should also receive breakouts of what was billed to your case and what’s left.
Real Life Example
In a second case, a lawyer didn’t really understand the client’s needs before they quoted us $15,000. They also grossly misrepresented how quickly the case would move and how it would move through the system. Rather than go to the Court of Appeals, it first had to go back to the sentencing court, which was a massive time suck. The case did not move onto the Court of Appeals or Michigan Supreme Court until well after that money and that particular lawyer was GONE.
3. They Listen Carefully
One of the most important signs of a good lawyer is how well they listen to you. A great lawyer will take the time to understand your situation, ask relevant questions, dig deeper, and ultimately, is trying to clarify the details of your case. They MUST fully comprehend your needs and concerns before offering legal advice. A lawyer who listens well will be better equipped to build a solid case on your behalf and to communicate effectively throughout the process.
Sadly, I’ve encountered multiple lawyers that were terrible listeners; they were more worried about sealing the deal and some will tell you whatever you want to hear to get cash in hand. You also don’t want a lawyer that asks you the same questions over and over, especially when they’re billing you for it. You shouldn’t be billed for explaining the same things over and over for your lawyer to “get it.”
4. They Communicate Clearly
Good communication is crucial in any lawyer-client relationship. A competent lawyer will not only explain next steps and the legal process in a way that’s easy for you to understand, but they will also keep you informed at every stage of your case. You should never be left in the dark about your case’s progress or what to expect next.
Whether they communicate via phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings, they should be responsive and proactive. If you’re left waiting for days without an update or struggle to get a clear answer to your questions, it’s time to move along.
Real Life Example
In one case, an attorney overpromised and severely underdelivered. This attorney claimed the system-impacted person would be home in 60-90 days from sentencing… the battle is still not over nearly three years later. As a lawyer who had over 20 years of experience, that person should have known better. The attorney also made excuses when transcripts weren’t ordered in a timely manner and constantly blew past deadlines. He even went on vacation to GREECE without telling the client and left the case hanging in limbo for the better part of the summer.
In another case, the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System Attorney met with an individual ONCE. The attorney was not great on providing updates, and instead offered a lot of excuses on why she wasn’t keeping the client informed on what was happening in their case. When the appeal was denied by the Court of Appeals, the attorney didn’t even call. Instead, the attorney wrote the person a letter saying her job was done and then she billed the court; completely unprofessional.
5. Reputation Means Nothing
Just because a lawyer has good reviews online, it doesn’t mean they are STILL a good lawyer. There are many firms that use reputation management companies to take down bad reviews.
Yes, word of mouth can be incredibly valuable when looking for a good lawyer, but just because a lawyer is good for one case doesn’t mean they’re good at everything. Personal referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who’ve had positive experiences are always a great way to start your search.
A good lawyer will also be happy to provide references from past clients or colleagues in the legal community who can vouch for their expertise and professionalism.
6. They Are Organized and Professional
A good lawyer should be well-organized, punctual, and professional in all their dealings. When you meet with a lawyer, notice how they conduct themselves. Are they on time for meetings? Do they seem prepared? Is their office and files organized?
A disorganized lawyer may not give your case the attention it deserves, period. You want someone who treats your case with the seriousness it deserves and approaches it methodically.
Your lawyer should have a good working relationship with the other side, but should not be buddy-buddy with the prosecutor. They should not be hanging out with them after work or on the weekends, and they should definitely not be in the habit of making excuses for the other side. They should be maintaining professional boundaries and being a zealous advocate for your best interests. Anything less and that’s a big red flag that they are more interested in furthering their career than protecting your future.
7. They Offer a Realistic Outlook
A lawyer who promises you a specific outcome or makes overly optimistic predictions is not the best choice. Cases can be unpredictable; there’s no way to guarantee a particular outcome. While it’s important for a lawyer to be confident in their abilities, a good lawyer will also provide you with a realistic assessment of your case and not give you false hope.
They should be able to tell you what all of the potential outcomes are, explain the challenges, and help you set realistic expectations. If they gloss over the difficulties of your case or eagerly guarantee their success, RUN. Multiple lawyers often promise media attention and quick resolutions that never come.
8. They Show a Strong Work Ethic
Good lawyers put in the work. A lawyer who is willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s researching case law, building a strategy, or preparing for trial, will give you the best chance at a positive outcome.
When speaking with potential lawyers, ask about their approach to handling cases. Do they take a proactive or are they reactive? Do they put in the effort to negotiate a favorable settlement, or do they jump straight into litigation?
Real Example
In this case, the attorney allegedly set up a turn-in to prevent disruption to a family. When the turn-in went wrong and exposed the family to a traumatizing arrest, the attorney was nowhere to be found. He left the family to clean-up his mess that weekend and the family didn’t get anything more than an apology. The family should have fired him immediately because he went on to completely mangle the person’s. It was so bad, that the client should have sued him for malpractice but we were told not to bother because it wasn’t worth it. That lawyer eventually left private practice and now works for the Kalamazoo Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
9. You Feel Comfortable and They Build Rapport
How comfortable do feel with your lawyer? Do they make you feel heard and respected? Do you trust their judgment and feel confident in their abilities?
If you do not feel comfortable asking questions and sharing details of the case with them or they don’t bother to remember important details, they are likely too busy to handle your case or have zero interest in remembering the important stuff.You MUST be able to trust your lawyer, especially when your life is in their hands.
Conclusion
It seems like a lot, but paying attention to a lawyer’s experience, communication skills, transparency, reputation, and work ethic, will help you make a better decision.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and above all, trust your instincts; that’s how you’ll find the right lawyer to represent your case.
