COMMON SENSE COMMON LAW

Saundra Lincoln Lamb, Esq. May 2019

 

Get a Good Lawyer

 

It’s a shame that the reputation for attorneys has become somewhat of a joke in many circles.  Sometimes I feel like the reputation concerning the legal profession is a lot like the unjustified character assassination and resulting misfortune that has fallen on a lot of black men---presumed guilty until proven innocent.

 

The problem is that the infamous and well-earned reputations of some lawyers have accumulated to such a point that the poor opinion has been liberally applied to everyone in the group.  It’s unfortunate because it has lead to a suspicion that hinders good decisions and therefore best outcomes.  Just as the qualities of the good black men is often lost in the characterizations, so it is that the good work and necessity of responsible legal counsel is often lost due to this unsavory reputation.  The result is that good relationships do not get formed, and good people experience unnecessary problems and even hardships and tragedies.  That is why my advice is always have a good lawyer at your disposal—don’t wait for something to happen.  Ben Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

What should you look for in an attorney?

First, you need to find someone that you trust, and whose opinion you value.

That person needs to be willing to listen and tell you whether or not you have a case worth pursuing.

You need someone that you feel comfortable enough with that you can talk when you’re just thinking about doing something.

 

In addition to trust and feeling comfortable with the attorney you select, get one you can afford.   Don't make the mistake of choosing a Bentley when you know you can only afford to pay for a Ford.  Take advantage of free consultations when available, search for community legal clinics and quality pre-paid legal service programs.

 

This gets us to the intangible quality that I look for in an attorney when I refer clients. While it may be that many attorney’s are “all about the money” I daresay that is not true about most.  It takes a lot of work to become an attorney and to maintain a viable practice. The hours are long and the work requires tedious, thoughtful, precise decision-making to get the right and best outcome.  Families need attorneys who know that making money is not more important than the passion they have for the law and insuring it best serves the needs of their client.

 

A quick word about some of the companies and organizations that provide legal assistance and referrals for legal representation.  Pre-paid Legal Services is a good option at what was an affordable price the last time I checked it.  As a member, you can call at any time to ask about a legal matter or just to ask a question.  You will get a capable attorney in the particular field of your inquiry.  This is an invaluable service for civil questions.  It does not cover criminal matters or pre-existing cases, except that you do get a discount on the regular rate. 

 

Finally, most of us are familiar with the services of the Legal Aide Society, which was a champion of causes for the low income or indigent client.  It is unfortunate that funding problems practically wiped these offices out of existence across the country.  Now the few that do exist have greatly limited their legal focus, usually to landlord/tenant and child support issues.  For immigration issues there are a number of well-prepared attorneys working in the Hispanic community and Catholic Charities has an immigration legal service to assist in filing out necessary forms for the agency.  The fees for these community organizations are minimal, some $50 for an intake session. Others are free for a consultation.  Whatever you do, take some time out to find the right lawyer for you and establish a rapport, build a trust, make a friend and  expect to give as well as to receive.

 

Happy Hunting.