December 1, 2021
Categories: About Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, Uncategorized, Working with your attorney
Traits to Look for When Hiring an Attorney: Legal Knowledge and Skills
Though the process of becoming an attorney is pretty standard, no two attorneys are the same. When being represented, it is important to choose someone with the appropriate legal knowledge and skills in order to get the best results. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, personal injury attorneys in Tampa FL, can explain why these are so important in your case.
Subject Matter Experience
It should go without saying that a tax collection attorney and an injury attorney have vastly differing backgrounds. The skills of speaking with an IRS auditor do not necessarily translate into speaking with a jury. While it may be tempting to consult a “general practitioner” of law, the best results often come from someone who specializes in the relevant area of law.
Recent Experience
New cases are tried and new laws are passed as a regular part of the legal industry. It is important for an attorney to stay relevant to these changes, which can be difficult to do if someone only “dabbles” in that legal area or has been out of practice for a while. At the same time, not every attorney or law firm is equipped with trial lawyers who have the skill and knowledge to actually take a case to the courtroom. Trial-practice rules can be complex and are constantly changing. Electronic filing procedures, alone, have undergone several changes over the past couple of years.
Communication Skills
Too often, an attorney may be trained and comfortable in talking to judges, juries, and other attorneys, but not in communicating well with their own clients. If you are experiencing legal turmoil, it is important that your attorney can understand how you are being impacted in order to best represent your interests. Also, your attorney needs to be able to translate the legal events into plain language so that you can make the most informed decisions.
Reputation
A long list of happy clients says a lot about a law firm. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore clients have shared their testimonials on several websites, not just our own.
If your attorney failed to provide these types of services, Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can evaluate if your attorney was negligent in duty and whether or not you have a malpractice case.
Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is a Tampa FL law firm with experience in “speaking up for the injured” and can put that to work for you.
