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Why Hiring a Local Attorney is so Important

2/28/2020

 
When you need to find an attorney, doing a search on the internet seems like the best way to find just the person you need.  However, doing a search can give you names of attorneys who aren’t the right fit for you.

For example, if you purchased a vehicle that isn’t what the seller promised and that person refuses to let you return the car or help with repairs, you may need an attorney that understands the “Lemon Law.”  When you search the internet, you may get a long list of names of national attorneys, but they may not know the local laws and customs in your legal community.   

When you call, the attorney may say they can help you with your case but still may not share whether he/she has successfully handled cases like yours or whether he/she is licensed to file a lawsuit should he/she not be able to settle your case.  By hiring a local attorney, you can check into their experience easier and ask friends and family what attorney they recommend. 


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Here are several reasons to choose a local attorney:

1. Convenience--This reason may be obvious, but many people seem to think that an attorney from a large firm in a big city is always the best option.  Some big firms have satellite offices, but if the attorney’s main office is an hour’s drive from the satellite, they may not be willing to meet you as often as you want.

Without a local office, you may be reluctant to set up meetings with your attorney as often as you want because of the time factor.  Having to travel to see your attorney just adds stress to an already stressful time in your life.  It is also very handy to be able to get from your attorney’s office to court in a short amount of time.


2. Knowing the Attorney’s Reputation--If you just choose the first attorney that you find during your internet search, the only thing you may know about that person is what you read on their web site.  By choosing someone local, you are able to ask around about the attorney and the type of cases they usually handle.  When you hire an attorney, you want to be sure that they have experience in the type of case you have – family law, personal injury, fraud, etc.

A local attorney is also more likely to want to maintain a positive reputation in their area.  You will be able to ask which attorneys are held in high regard with other members of the court system.  They will also be more likely to come prepared because of wanting to uphold their positive reputation.  An attorney that isn’t local and may never appear in that court again won’t be as concerned about being prepared and making a good impression with the court.

3. A Local Attorney will Know the Right People in your Area--If you choose a local attorney, as soon as you explain your needs, they will more than likely know the people involved in your case and will know who they need to talk with to resolve your case.  Knowing the judges, other attorneys and others involved in your local court system gives your attorney a step up towards winning your case.

Someone local will also know mechanics, doctors and other service people who may be called as experts for your case.


4. Someone Local will Know how the Court Operates--
It may seem that every court operates exactly the same way, but that isn’t necessarily true.  While laws may be similar, every state, even every county, has laws that are specific to that area.  Every judge has their own way of running their courtroom and may have their own opinions of what type of arguments are the most persuasive.

Someone who isn’t local won’t know all of this about your local court system.  They may inadvertently make a mistake that could cost you your case.  When your attorney understands how the local system works, they also know to present your case in the best light.

Some rules that change from system to system include whether to stand when talking to the judge and who has to be at a hearing.  A local attorney will know what is expected in your court system and will be able to avoid making simple mistakes.  A visiting attorney will never be able to know or remember all of the rules of every court, so a local attorney is always the better choice.

​When you start your search for a local attorney, ask friends and family for their recommendations.  Even if they have never needed an attorney, they may know someone who has used one.  Call local attorneys and schedule a time to meet.  The best way to choose an attorney is to discuss your needs and see which one seems to really listen to you and has the most expertise regarding your type of case.
 

Top 5 Reasons You Need a Local Lawyer Handling Your Case

10/28/2019

 
In a world where you can Google, search the internet, and even get legal counsel, it may seem strange to have a local lawyer.  But ask yourself this, would you want a to see a medical professional you have never met before treating you for something serious?  Then this area of your life shouldn’t be fast tracked to the internet either.  You need a local lawyer in your corner for many reasons. 
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  1. Laws Differ:  State laws, local laws, and even local ordinances can affect your case. Local lawyers can determine all the nuances of your case and be able to protect you better.  Lawyers can write your will, work through a divorce, help you set up guardianships for your children, and sell your home.  They can also help with businesses by setting up your LLC or Sole Proprietorship, creating contracts, protecting you from lawsuits, and even meeting state and federal compliance. 
  2. Whole Story: Meeting with a local lawyer allows him/her to ask follow-up questions to see the entire picture.  They will be able to pick up on visual cues, verbal cues, and even your body language that will enable them to guide you in telling your story in a more caring manner.
  3. In the Know: Local lawyers know local judges and other lawyers. This knowledge may be beneficial to your case as they already know what judges prefer when trying a case and how to interact with attorneys that may be representing your opponent.
  4. Accessibility: You are able to meet at a mutually agreeable time. All of us have had appointments that are hard to keep, hard to get off work for, and even set for one time and three hours later you are still in the waiting room.  Local lawyers realize your time is precious and try to ensure that their schedules reflect that for each of their clients.
  5. Cost: Local lawyers typically cost less, but even if they don’t, you’ll spend less money utilizing a local lawyer because they are already familiar with the state laws. Attorneys operating outside of the state, like through a lawyer mill, will need more time to review the cases and laws that support your case. Local attorneys already know what causes of action will apply to your case.
Protect yourself by seeing a local professional for any legal issues that arise in your life. Knowing that someone is in your corner and protecting you legally gives you substantial peace of mind.  Having that person be there through some of your more difficult life moments is irreplaceable. 

Help Me Help You 

3/28/2013

 
I really wonder if what lawyers see today is a product of our culture or just the byproduct of human nature. Are the actions of people today different than those of our ancestors 100 years ago? 2000 years ago?   

Many of the lawyers I know truly want to help people because they know people make mistakes. Lawyers try to make sure the punishment fits the crime. However, some clients make it more difficult and sometimes impossible. 

Imagine you’re a lawyer.  You’ve told your client who was accused of murder the odds of winning, losing, and what would happen if your client loses in front of a jury.  Your client decides to take the deal offered by the prosecutor.  You show up at court to present your client to the court, and you hope the court will accept the deal offered by the State.  You look over and in walks your client.  He seemed like a nice enough guy.  The court calls your case.  Your client stands up, takes off his shirt, and reveals another shirt with the word “KILLER” written on it.  It’s the same shirt he wore during the killing.  What do you do?  

Well, it happened to a lawyer in Ohio.  If you showed up in a Roman Court for murder, would you wear something designed to inflame the person who was going to sentence you?  If you had been picked up by the Inquisition for being a heretic, would you show up wearing a symbol associated with the black arts?  

So what is a lawyer supposed to do in that situation?  There’s not much he can do.  Most lawyers work hard for their clients.  What clients have to do is work hard to help their lawyers.  It has to be a team effort...at least it should be.  

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