How to Evaluate a Law Firm

Look for dedication to individual clients in personal injury and maritime law cases

You need to consider a variety of factors when seeking the services of an attorney. First and foremost, look for a law firm in your area with prior experience handling cases similar to yours. If you are near Daphne, for example, you should look for a Gulf Shores, Fairhope, or Daphe law firm that can understand the nuances of your maritime law case immediately, and will assign an experienced attorney to handle it quickly. The law firm right for you will have valuable knowledge and experience dealing with maritime and admiralty law cases and Jones Act litigation.

High ethical standards and professional ability

When seeking legal representation, look for objective indicators that a firm employs lawyers with high ethical standards and professional abilities that exceed the norm.  See if they have client testimonials available from individuals who were injured while working on a boat or in a dockyard, or ask for references who can vouch for their services. Doing so may be able to help you evaluate whether the firm’s attorneys are equipped to handle the specific task at hand.

Dedication to individual clients

Gain assurances that your case will receive the individual attention it deserves.  Make sure the firm will represent you vigorously and devote its time and talent fully to your case.

Personal and professional characteristics

Here are some key personal and professional qualities to look for in a law firm:

• Knowledge and specific experience—Make sure the attorney and firm have handled cases like yours in the recent past.  Ask about verdicts and settlements achieved in maritime cases.
• Integrity and insight—Look for qualities of integrity in the attorney’s past accomplishments, and for insight into the working of the law and a pattern of helping others understand the real intent of the law.
• Strength of character and presentation—Your attorney should present a strong and formidable presence in court.  A calm, thoughtful, and well-spoken attorney garners more respect from juries, judges, and opposing counsel than an arrogant one.
• Support structure—Office staff and services should be personal, thorough, detail-oriented, patient, and accommodating to clients.  Look for good communication practices within the firm.  In a complex undertaking like litigation, good communication goes a long way toward making life easier for everyone—and winning the case.

Talk with our attorneys

Contact the maritime attorneys at Jackson, Foster & Richardson, L.L.C. for a consultation.  You can reach our office in Mobile by calling us toll-free at 866-433-6699 or by contacting our firm online. Whether you are in Mobile, Foley, Daphne, Orange Beach, Theodore, Grove Hill, Loxley, Fairhope, or Gulf Shores, our law firm is here to help.