I decided to do this blog after I had a period of introspection about my decision to go into practice. I asked myself, “why should prospective clients choose you?” This question led me to ask myself, “what would you look for in your own lawyer?” This particular question then led me to think about what I’d look for in my own legal representative, I did some wider reading and came up with quite of list qualities and attributes, which I’d not only like to see in myself, but any other lawyer I engage. My search for guidance on this particular topic led me to conclude that there are certain core attributes that a lawyer should possess. I’ve summarised my own list for the purposes of the blog. The following list is made up of qualities and attributes that I’d humbly suggest you could use to guide your own search for legal representation.
The top five things to look for in a lawyer
The qualities and attributes I compiled and later summarized are as follows: experience, knowledge and analytical skills, excellent communication skills, excellent client care and affordability.
Experience. Although it’s not essential to find an ‘expert’ in the particular practice area you are concerned with, you should look for someone who has a reputation in that particular practice area or who has at least handled a few matters in that area with a fairly good success rate, enquire about what types cases the attorney has handled in the past. You should not be afraid to ask for references including a list of clients or other attorneys with whom you can discuss their competence, service and fees.
Knowledge and analytical skills. This refers to the lawyer’s knowledge in their area(s) of practice, and even, if necessary, their access to persons who have any knowledge that they lack. A good lawyer should be able to look at a situation and analyze it from all angles with a view to effectively addressing any problems that may arise during the course of proceedings. They must be able to quickly interpret large amounts of information and problem solve on the spot. A good lawyer should also be able to effectively conduct research with a view to distilling relevant information and providing relevant, helpful advice to their clients.
Excellent communication skills. A good lawyer should speak clearly, logically and precisely. Your lawyer should be able to understand and explain complex legal terms or concepts simply. A good lawyer should also be a good listener, they must be empathetic and easy to speak to and get along with, he/she should also strive to understand every aspect of their client’s case and be able to seek clarity if required. A good lawyer should also have good people skills, they should be personable, perceptive and persuasive (not manipulative). They should be able to put their client at ease and their client should feel comfortable enough with them to speak freely and openly.
Excellent Client care. A good lawyer must ensure that clients are treated with the greatest courtesy and professionalism. A client can identify distance, arrogance, bad manners, lack of respect, unclear or confusing advice and lack of responsiveness. A good lawyer will avoid these behaviours. A good lawyer must be as available to their clients as can be reasonably expected. This means that they should also be responsive to their clients. This responsiveness would include being available for face to face meetings or call conferences at mutually convenient times using multiple communication modalities including IT solutions and even social media if appropriate, these could include FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp messenger or any other agreed upon means of communication. There should be some understanding about how quickly a client could expect calls and emails to be returned and how and where face to face meetings will be held and conducted. They should also meet agreed deadlines and produce the agreed outcomes in a competent, timely and creative manner. A good lawyer should also keep what their client tells them in strictest confidence and not disclose any information about the client’s matter without their consent.
Affordability. A good lawyer should be very clear about their fees, these fees should be fair and reasonable. An Attorney should explain the breakdown of their fees as well as the cost of any of the related services their client requires. A good lawyer would ensure that their client understands and agrees to pay the fees charged in the agreed manner, via the agreed means at the agreed time. I’d also advise that a prospective client should shop around to get quotes from several lawyers before making a decision, if time or the situation permits.
Number Six….Ethics
After I’d distilled this list of five, I realized that I needed to add one more characteristic: ethics. In Trinidad and Tobago an attorney is expected to act in a manner that promotes the public confidence in the profession and to avoid conduct which could discredit the profession. I sincerely believe that any professional, especially a lawyer needs to be ethical. Your lawyer should at all times demonstrate high standards of integrity, fair-mindedness, and yes, honesty. A good lawyer should be aware of the laws, regulations and conventions that pertain to their particular jurisdiction and abide by them zealously.
The Legal Code of Ethics in Trinidad and Tobago
If you’re interested in reading about the Code of Ethics for Attorneys-at-law in Trinidad and Tobago have a look at the Legal Profession Act .
Best,
Simone
Phoenix Legal and Consulting Services 