The Check List
The following eleven point check list has been designed to help you evaluate the aptitude and ability of the personal injury lawyer you are thinking of hiring. If you are unsure who to hire meet with multiple lawyers and then compare notes.
Attorney/Firm Information
Name of the Law Firm: ________________________________________
Name of attorney being reviewed: _______________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ Zip Code: _________
Phone Number: ______________________________________________
E-mail address: ______________________________________________
Eleven Point Check List:
1. Who Will Be Handling My Case?
___ You
___ An Associate
___ Paralegal
___ Someone I Have Never Met
2. Amount of Experience:
___ Extremely Seasoned (15+ Years)
___ Well Established (11-15 Years)
___ Outstanding (6-10 Years)
___ Good (3-5 Years)
___ New (1-2 Years)
3. Type of Law Practiced:
___ Exclusively Handles Personal Injury Work
___ General Practice That Includes:
___ Divorce
___ Real-estate
___ Bankruptcy
___ DUI
___ Criminal Defense
___ Other: _____________________________
___ Occasionally Handles Personal Injury Cases
4. How Will You Inform Me Of My Case?
By Letter E-mail Phone Call How Often? _________________________
Can I Call You? Yes No When? _________________________________
Will I Be Able To Meet With You? Yes No How Often? ______________
When Will You Contact My Doctor For Medical Records? ____/___/___
5. Have You Handled Other Cases That Are Similar To Mine?
Yes What Kinds Of Results Did You Have? ______________________
No How Would You Handle My Case? _________________________
6. Have You Taken Cases To Trial?
Yes / No
If Yes, What Results Did You Have? ____________________________
7. Client Comments:
___ Clients Rave About the Attorney and Law Firm.
___ Testimonials Are Not Readily Available.
8. The Lawyers Ability To Answer My Concerns:
___ I Felt Reassured During The Initial Consultation.
___ I Was Completely Lost During The Consultation.
9. Listening Skills:
___ The Attorney Seemed Very Compassionate Towards My Case And Put Me At Ease.
___ The Attorney Seemed Uncaring And Was Quick To Rush Me Out The Door.
10. How Was I Treated By The Support Staff (Front Desk Receptionist, Associates, Paralegals, and Assistants):
___ The Support Staff Was Kind, Courteous, and Friendly.
___ The Support Staff Was Indifferent Towards Me.
11. How Did I Feel After The Initial Consultation:
___ I Felt Confident That I Was In Good Hands.
___ I Left The Office Feeling Overwhelmed And Totally Confused.
You Deserve an Advocate