When it comes to hiring a lawyer, knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do want. You need to be able to rule out lawyers who won’t be a good fit. After all, the success of your case may hinge on the skill of your attorney.
Anyone who is considering hiring an attorney should know that not all of them are competent. In our last post, we looked at some of the warning signs of bad lawyers. In this conclusion, we will follow up with some more of the most important red flags to avoid when hiring an attorney.
An unprofessional attitude
Some lawyers are in a rush because of their busy schedules, but a lawyer should never seem impatient over overly hasty when dealing with your case. Nor should a lawyer be condescending, rude or otherwise unprofessional. Attorneys who have a poor attitude can end up being difficult to work with. In negotiations or a court trial, a lawyer’s bad attitude can also seriously hurt your case.
Lack of organizational skills
It is crucial for lawyers to be organized in order to meet deadlines and prioritize their workload. Some attorneys handle this by staying meticulously organized; others employ assistants or other personnel to organize their calendars. An attorney who is hindered by poor organizational skills is not going to be effective in handling the myriad details of your case.
Promising specific results
Even the best attorney is not a psychic. Lawyers should not make promises to their clients that they cannot keep. Sure, lawyers can offer much-needed assistance and advocacy in a case, but there is no way to guarantee a certain outcome. In fact, attorneys who have guaranteed a certain result that they could not deliver may be held liable for professional malpractice.
