Some Thoughts on Choosing an Attorney

The Problem: It is midnight. Curfew for your teenage son was 11 p.m. The phone rings. He is at the police station. Someone brought beer to the party at his friend's house. The police were called. He tells you that he is being charged with being a "minor in possession". They tell you when you pick him up that he should probably have a lawyer. Who do you call?

The Problem: Your sister calls. Mom has taken another fall. They are on the way to the hospital, but it looks like she can't go live at home again. It is just not safe. Who do you call?

The Problem: It is a snowy Michigan day. The car in front of you suddenly brakes. You stop, because you have been driving very slowly because of the weather. The driver of the car behind you is on her cell phone and does not stop, and hits you hard from behind, pushing you into the car in front of you. When the police come to the scene, that driver is holding her neck and they are calling an ambulance. The officer hands you and the car behind you a ticket. Who do you call?

The Problem: While on the way to court to fight that ticket, a car runs a red light and hits you in the side of the car, sending you to the hospital in an ambulance. You just let your health insurance lapse, because you could not afford the COBRA premiums with your husband laid off from work. Who do you call?

No one should hire an attorney out of the phone book in an emergency. The time to establish a relationship with a lawyer is before you need one. These are some thoughts on how to select an attorney.

Do Not: Believe everything you hear on TV.

Do: Talk to friends and neighbors and family to find out if they have an attorney who they trust.

Do Not: Be afraid to ask questions about fees. How are fees set?

Do: Think about whether the attorney values your time. Does the office offer evening or weekend appointments if you cannot take time from work.

Do: Consider hiring an attorney to do basic Will and Estate planning. If you do, then you will have an attorney to call in an emergency, of if you need legal work for other matters. A good attorney is a good person to know.

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