How on earth do you find a good attorney

[DsmithAsmith]

My friend is in the middle of a custody battle, she has had the same attorny for 2+ years. He has not been that great all along but today was the last straw. the issues she has with him are; he is always late for court, he is unprepared, and he does not REALLY fight and advocate for what she would like. She would like to get a new attorney, but we are not sure how to find a good attorney who will fight for her. Some family law attorneys seem to do better in cases that can be mediated, this is not a case like that, she needs someone to be quick on their toes in court. Another issue is that she has court in San Jose, California and we live 2 hours away, so it is hard for her to 'interview' a lot of attorneys. Any advice, suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Zephyr]

see if the state bar can refer someone from that area, that at least gives you a place to start the interviews....

 

[weenor]

see if the state bar can refer someone from that area, that at least gives you a place to start the interviews....

Ditto with some added thoughts....most people assume that if an attorney is not abrasive with the attorney on the other side that the attorney is not "fighting for their rights" I tell you this to educate you and other posters... Unprepared is not right and not communicating with you client on a fairly regular basis is not right...but I will tell you after 14 years in the legal field I know that good relationships between attorneys will save you money and aggravation to get the same result. My clients understand that and do not get upset when I am not fighting with the other side....Like any other profession (i.e. doctor, accountant) you should feel comfortable with what they're telling and you should be able to ask questions without getting fussed at....but know that just because a lawyer is not confrontational does not mean he/she is not doing what is best under the circumstances.

 

[DsmithAsmith]

Ditto with some added thoughts....most people assume that if an attorney is not abrasive with the attorney on the other side that the attorney is not "fighting for their rights" I tell you this to educate you and other posters... Unprepared is not right and not communicating with you client on a fairly regular basis is not right...but I will tell you after 14 years in the legal field I know that good relationships between attorneys will save you money and aggravation to get the same result. My clients understand that and do not get upset when I am not fighting with the other side....Like any other profession (i.e. doctor, accountant) you should feel comfortable with what they're telling and you should be able to ask questions without getting fussed at....but know that just because a lawyer is not confrontational does not mean he/she is not doing what is best under the circumstances.

We don't want the attorneys to argue or be abrasive towards eachother, but when the judge asks, so why are we here, and your attorney is the one who file the motion, he darn well better have a good response. This attorney is just plain clumsy, any experianced attorney will tell you a good portion of it is just how you present yourself/your case in court. This guy (the current attorney) cant even answer the simple questions in a good manner.

Is there anywhere that gives advice on how to interview/select a good attorney.

 

[casa]

My friend is in the middle of a custody battle, she has had the same attorny for 2+ years. He has not been that great all along but today was the last straw. the issues she has with him are; he is always late for court, he is unprepared, and he does not REALLY fight and advocate for what she would like. She would like to get a new attorney, but we are not sure how to find a good attorney who will fight for her. Some family law attorneys seem to do better in cases that can be mediated, this is not a case like that, she needs someone to be quick on their toes in court. Another issue is that she has court in San Jose, California and we live 2 hours away, so it is hard for her to 'interview' a lot of attorneys. Any advice, suggestions would be helpful.

She can start by making sure the attorney is a Family Law Specialist instead of just practicing Family Law.

 

[stealth2]

The best way is through word of mouth. Talk to people involved in the community - realtor, doctor, mechanic, etc. They meet a lot of people, and people talk.