Lawyers Across Borders: Don’t let geography limit you finding a lawyer

By: Janice Dantes

 

Recently, a potential client called me and asked if I would be interested in representing her in a custody dispute. I agreed and we were ready to sign the documents. She was unable to come to our meeting and said she would reschedule. Then I received a panicked phone call from her at night saying that her ex wouldn’t bring the child home. I told her, if this is an emergency, call the police. She then decided to hire an attorney closer to where she lives. She just contacted me again because she is not happy with her current attorney. I think many people think that it will be easier to work with an attorney if they live nearby. With technology today, attorneys can service clients around the world. I wanted to tell this story to give my top 3 tips when hiring an attorney:

1. Do not assume that an attorney will be easier to work with if that attorney lives near you. Hiring a professional to provide a service is very different from going to the grocery store or the mall to buy a commodity. Do not assume because you hired the attorney next door that you can drop by and check on your case. The vast majority of attorneys meet clients by appointment only. Additionally, many attorneys have court dates to attend so even if you drop by the office, they may not be available. I think it is important to discuss with your attorney each of your preferred modes of communication (e.g. phone, email, text, skype, etc.). Further, be careful about constantly communicating with your attorney. Many attorneys charge you by the hour so be mindful with how often you communicate and if all your communications are relevant. I think it is better to work with attorney who is located near the courthouse rather than your neighbor. I have worked with clients who have lived in California, Florida, and the Philippines.

2. Don’t only choose an attorney on price. The saying, “You get what you pay for” is applicable in many attorney-client relationships. Please remember that there is a big difference between the service at McDonald’s vs. Alinea. There are two key ways attorneys, like most businesses, make money: 1) raise prices or 2) increase customers/clients. If an attorney has lower prices, they likely have to service many clients to cover their expenses. This naturally can impact the level of service you receive. On the other hand, it is much easier for an attorney to be very responsive to their client’s needs if you are the only one and you are paying for the attorney’s time.

3. Attorneys cannot guarantee results. Many clients think that if you hire the best attorney, you will win your case. There are so many factors that play a role in “winning” your case, including how strong your own case is. You want to choose an attorney you can trust to tell all the facts, not just the facts that help your case. When you do not tell an attorney all the facts of a case, you and your attorney are likely to be surprised in court when the opposing side brings information that hurts your case that you were not prepared to defend. I had one client who had objected to her daughter visiting Florida with her aunt and told me that her daughter has never been to Florida. I am at the hearing and argue that the child has never been to Florida. Then the other side presents to me a signed and notarized consent for that same daughter to go to Florida two years prior complete with her driver’s license. Obviously, I lost that case. I recommend you finding an attorney you feel comfortable opening up to. Further, you want that same attorney to counsel you and tell you things you do not want to hear to avoid spending time and money on a case that does not hold any water in court.

Whether your attorney is next door or around the world, find someone you like working with and you trust. I think you will be much happier.

Thank you for reading. Until we meet again, love one another.

Janice Dantes is an attorney focused on serving Chicago’s Filipino community. Her area of focus is family law. She was born at Clark Air Force Base in Angeles City and came to the United States when she was 3 years old. Janice is a graduate of the University of Chicago and DePaul University College of Law. Her office is in downtown Chicago. If you would like to speak to her in English or Tagalog with your legal problem, please call (312) 546-5077 to schedule your free consultation.