When you’re facing a legal case that could potentially find you liable for a crime, having an expert attorney representing your interests is crucial. This will ensure you stand the best chance possible of defending your position and reducing or mitigating conviction altogether.
Attorney Jeff Kennedy has spent countless years protecting the interests of his clients, and during that time, he’s come to understand what it takes to be a good lawyer. The following guide highlights a few of those most important traits to look for, so you can partner with a knowledgeable attorney and move forward with peace of mind.
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What Should You Look for When Hiring an Attorney to Represent You in Court?
Excellent Communication Skills
Being a lawyer is all about taking facts and ideas and being able to present them in a way that best serves your client. As such, one of the most crucial qualities your attorney needs to have is excellent communication skills. They should be able to easily and accurately describe any situation in a way that is both professional and easy to comprehend by you, the judge, the opposing attorney, and the jury (if present).
You can typically gauge these kinds of skills during an initial consultation with a potential lawyer. When you ask them questions, do you find their answers both impressive and clear? How does it sound when they outline your potential defense strategy? Do you feel certain of what they are trying to express? These are all good signs that a lawyer will communicate your interests well in court.
Extensive Experience
When it comes to legal areas like criminal defense, DWI, theft, or drug crimes, having an innate understanding of the associated laws is crucial; this is something that is typically developed over many years of practice. This kind of inherent understanding of regulations will give your lawyer the best chance of devising an appropriate defense strategy, as they’ll know which areas to play to when presenting your case.
Successful Track Record
While being a lawyer is very much about learning and understanding local laws, it’s also about practice. And you want to ensure that the attorney you work with has proven to be successful putting their knowledge into practice. Ask a potential candidate if they can refer you to some of their past cases. Do they have a high percentage of winning or favorable outcomes? Then, ask about past client referrals. If previous clients are willing to speak well on the attorney’s behalf, chances are, they did their job correctly.
Transparency
While it would obviously be ideal to have any case brought against you thrown out, that won’t always be the reality. A good attorney is one who is honest with you about what you’re up against and what you can expect from the proceedings.
For example, if they think the evidence against you is too strong, they might advocate for a plea deal or pushing for a lesser crime. While it might not be what you want to hear, in the end, it’s further proof of their expertise and their commitment to get the best possible outcome for your case.
An expert attorney doesn’t sugar coat their feelings and doesn’t tell you what you want to hear to keep you from getting upset. Instead, they’re transparent and honest to ensure you’re well-prepared to handle the road ahead.
With so many reputable attorneys to choose from, it can feel overwhelming determining who you should hire. But with a bit of research and patience, you’ll find the lawyer who is best suited to represent your interests.
