These are all excellent suggestions for finding a competent attorney and in each of our cases the end results was far from satisfactory.

Our first scenario, contacted family who knew of an out of state attorney, this attorney referred us to one locally. After a couple of months this attorney claimed that he could not handle our case, we were passed to another attorney who then did the same. One does not want to be represented by someone that they know will drop the ball.

Second scenario, another family member recommended a law firm that was across the street from the courthouse. The attorney that was recommended was not available but his partner was. This was the attorney that didnt bother with mental health records, social service records and police reports as the opposing counsel made up their fictions.

Third scenario, my girlfriend was dog bitten, we decided to really research the attorney for this. We called numerous firms in the area, talked to the doctors about who they recommended and contacted the state Bar. This attorney was on the top of the stack. Five years later, this attorney walked off with his clients settlements and retainers. We found out about him from a Washington Post June 1, 2000 article.

Fourth scenario, we went for a "legal plan", we had some issues, the stress of the past decade had gotten to us so we made some mistakes that required an attorney. This sounded like a good option, so I paid for a years service, sent an "outline" of the issues that we needed to address. I called for my "phone interview" and rather than being able to talk to an outline, I had to go over preliminary information, they did not bother to read the outline. As a result of this attempt my girlfriend has a judgment against her because she was not represented and another attorney lied to the courts about an agreement. Now this plan attorney claims that it is too late - oops.

My girlfriend has a learning disability and severe anxiety attacks because of these peoples diligent representation. No matter how much one researches, obtains recommendations, hiring a professional to address legal issues is a "crap shoot". There is no effective method to ensure that these people will not choose to have a "bad hair day", if they do, one has no proof since the "Bar" does not address performance.

Do you feel lucky ? The only solution is to avoid anything to do with this system.

Learn more about this author, Jowey Styxx.
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