How do I check an attorneys reputation?

Question

I am looking for an attorney to assist me, I have a couple names, but I am not sure who would be better.

Answer 1

If he has been PUBLICLY disciplined, you can check with your state's supreme court -- in Colo, not sure about other states. However, the people who are regulating attorneys, are attorneys themselves and they try to protect their own. Unless the transgression is severe, there may have been private sanctions and you won't be able to find out about them.
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Answer 2

Call the state licensing board and ask if they have been sued for malpractice or any claims against them pending. Also visit them both for an "intake consultation" so it will give a chance to meet them in person and get a feel of what they are like, how their office operates, will you be dealing directly with them or with their paralegal all the time. Some have e-mail access others can never be reached. Some have an open door policy, others charge you for EVERY phone call you make! So, take this consultation interview as a time to ask all those questions and see whose style you are more comfortable with. Also, while you are there, pay attention how he treats his staff, that gives you a clue how he will treat you once he has your money in his pocket and also listen to what other clients in the waiting room are talking aobut, do they seem happy? How are the staff treating clients over the phone? Also ask if you can sit in an open court hearing scheduled soon so you can see how effective he is.
Hope this helps coming from someone who practiced law for many years and came across many slime ball attorneys out there.

Answer 3

check local bar assc.