Of Lawyers and Ads and Other Embarrassing Stuff

This morning I drove from New Iberia to the Broussard exit on highway 90. I encountered 45 lawyer billboards. Really guys? Give it a rest.

I have made a living practicing law for the past thirty plus years. Every so often I have to vent. Today is one of those days.

Here is my advice to those seeking legal help. Take off your list of potential lawyers, all those who have billboard and television ads. There are reasons they are spending small fortunes on ads.  You can do so much better. Try to get a personal recommendation over trying to test a flood of ads.

Here are truths to remember if you are in an accident.

You don’t need an “accident investigation team.” That’s what the police are for.

Any lawyer will consult with you for free and will wait until there is a judgment or settlement to get any money. It’s called a contingency contract. You will give the lawyer from 25 to 40 percent of any settlement for his work and advice. Any lawyer will do that. 

Lawyers who mass advertise often conduct “factory” practices. They take in as many cases as possible, do as little work as possible and try to settle as quickly as possible. It’s not what you want if you have a legitimate claim.

The amount of your recovery isn’t based on your lawyer but on the severity of your injuries and the amount of your damages. 

There are no independent groups who identify good or “the best” lawyers. There are organizations with names like America’s Best Attorneys which lawyers can, for a fee, join. There are local magazines that take polls on the best lawyers or the best burgers. The winners are the ones who can get the most folks to vote. The winners aren’t  necessarily the “best.” 

Worker’s Comp cases aren’t particularly complicated or complex. (aren’t those the same?) In fact, they are usually handled by the most junior members of most firms. 

If you are in the unfortunate position of needing a lawyer, take some responsibility. Check with friends and ignore what you see on television or riding down the road from New Iberia to Broussard.