Your expectations... and mine.
I am a sole practitioner, so I personally handle each case I accept. I will not accept your case unless I feel capable of handling it from start to finish. You have a right to expect that I will approach your case in the same manner that I would expect if I were the client. The attorney-client relationship is a unique relationship ? it?s what lawyers call a ?fiduciary? relationship ? a relationship built on trust. It is also a real partnership that cannot succeed without the effort and absolute honesty of both parties.
I accept many cases on a contingent fee basis ? no recovery, no fee. Whether I can accept your case on a contingent basis necessarily requires consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the case, but also requires consideration of the amount of money that is likely to be recovered and the cost of pursuing the claim. An attorney who is not prepared to spend the money necessary to properly present your case cannot achieve a fair result for you. I will not accept your case unless I am satisfied that the cost of pursuing your claim can be adequately funded. You can be assured that I will provide you with a fair and honest assessment of your claim and my ability to handle it. When I accept your case I make a commitment to pursue the claim as far as it can reasonably be pursued under the law.
What must I expect of you? In a word, absolute honesty. I have been in trial practice for over 30 years and in that time I have seen worthwhile cases go down the drain or be settled for pennies on the dollar because the client wasn?t entirely truthful with attorneys, physicians, and the court. When you become engaged in litigation your credibility and that of your attorney is of paramount importance in achieving a just and fair result. Trials are about proving facts. If the judge or jury hearing your case doesn?t believe your testimony, the law is irrelevant.
A lawyer must wear two hats ? he must be a zealous advocate for his client and a wise counselor to his client. I take both roles very seriously. I make a commitment to educate my clients about their cases so the client can be a full ?partner? in the handling and decision-making involved in their case. In the end, it?s your case and you must make the final decision.