How To Find A Good Lawyer

Finding a good lawyer is like finding a needle in a haystack. Where do you begin? I suggest you follow the "Four E's". Education. Expertise. Ethics. Education.

1. Education

Where and when did the attorney receive his legal education? Is it a reputable school that turns out well- prepared attorneys. Has the attorney continued his education after law school? The State Bar of Texas requires all attorneys to take at least 15 hours of continuing education each year. Attorneys wishing to show expertise in a particular area >as a specialization must go beyond that requirement. To be a specialist, an attorney must demonstrate high percentage of practice in an area, receive references from other attorneys and Judges, take a minimum 25 hours of continuing education per year, and pass a written examination on the law of that area. This is called BOARD CERTIFICATION.

2. Experience

How long and successfully has the attorney been practicing in the area of law you need? Have they shown any proficiency or expertise in that area? Has the attorney written articles or spoken at educational seminars? Is the lawyer active in Bar organizations and committees?

3. Ethics

Ethics are very important. Any attorney willing to bend the rules FOR you, will also bend them AGAINST you. An attorney with a reputation for ethics will treat you correctly. At the same time, opposing counsel and the Court will more readily listen to and work with such an attorney.

The only available methods of checking the ethics of an attorney are to ask opposing counsel or check the disciplinary history with the State Bar. The disciplinary history lets you know if the attorney has been in trouble for violating ethical guidelines in the past. You may check the disciplinary history of any attorney in the State of Texas by clicking here.

4. Explanation

It doesn't do any good for an attorney to know all of the law and it's implications, but not share it with you. Some
attorneys are not very good at communicating and explaining. It is your case. It is your life. You need to
understand how to make the best decision possible. It is important to find a lawyer who will take the time to
answer your questions, and even give you answers to questions you haven't asked but need to know.