What people look for in hiring their attorney [the update]

A few weeks ago I asked the question: What are the most important one or two qualities for which you look when hiring an attorney? The response was tremendous, I appreciate all the people that took time weigh in. The updated responses are below and you go directly to Linkedin to see the answers also by going here (Linkedin account required). What quality is most important to you when you considering hiring an attorney?

A few weeks ago I asked the question: What are the most important one or two qualities for which you look when hiring an attorney?  The response was tremendous, I appreciate all the people that took time weigh in.  The updated responses are below and you go directly to Linkedin to see the answers also by going here (Linkedin account required).  What quality is most important to you when you are considering hiring an attorney?

If I were to hire an attorney, I’d want someone I could rely on. For me that is a person that is well informed, honest, sincere, and practical.

1) Exceptional analytical skills
2) Problem solver mentality rather than antagonistic

Ability to bring new knowledge and insight that I didn’t already have or think about. If I’m trying to decide on which attorney to use, I’m more likely to choose one that makes me feel like he’s valuable for more than just filing paperwork.

When I was looking for an adoption attorney, the most important things was that he/she listened and answered my questions. Recommendations from others was also high on the list.

1) Do I know them and know them to be honest?

2) Do they pay it forward with their services?

3) – if I was able to give a third, it would be simply, do that have a clear pricing schedule listed where I can look it up.

Without knowing what type of law you practice it is hard for me to answer that question. I’d be more than happy to meet over coffee something & discuss with you.

A committment to customer service Ability to help clients make the best decisions that fit them and their situation Timeliness of response

Honesty and tenacity.

Trust, integrity, and expertise, particularly if it is an area of specialization.

1. Easy to get in touch with.
2. Doesn’t nickle and dime.

Shawn, as an entrepreneur and investor, I’m always looking for attorneys who are able to take business priorities and translate them into legal guidance without diminishing economic outcomes. There’s always risk in building and running a business. A good small business attorney helps to avoid the big risks and mitigate the small risks that can’t be avoided.

Hope that helps!

I’ve found that with good policies and planning, lots of documentation, and aggressive attorneys, I’ve always achieved fast, favorable settlements when conflicts have arisen.

Also, I like independent attorneys that aren’t locked into big-firm billing rates and policies and who have the flexibility to provide value.

Finally, a good breadth of experience with a variety of issues helps to avoid the need to hire multiple firms: Some experience with IP, HR, basic securities law, fund-raising and deal-making provides good coverage.

Posted by Shawn Roberts

On this blog, I write about and try to answer practical Oklahoma legal questions. My focus and most experience is in estate planning and business issues including Oklahoma non-compete law. I make a living as an attorney in the law firm I founded, Shawn J. Roberts, P.C. in Oklahoma City. I live in Edmond with my wife Amy and my two children, Sam (19) and David (11). We live precisely in the path of where the "wind comes sweeping down the plains."