Speaking in the area of Family Law (but knowing the same rules apply to most other areas of law), the first thing to do is ask others, including friends and family, if they’ve had a good experience. Referrals from those you trust are probably the best (but by no means the only) way to locate a competent attorney.
Next, contact your local Bar Association. They refer to experienced attorneys in all areas of law.
Further try to find an attorney who practices in that part of town local to where your case will be heard. Remember, good lawyers know the law, great lawyers know the judge. If an attorney repeatedly practices inside the same court house, chances are he/she has familiarity with the Judge hearing your case.
Next, make sure the attorney you select has at least five (5) years of practice (in the area of your case) under his/her belt, also check to see if he/she maintains malpractice insurance. Ask if they have a specialty in your area of law. In the area of Family Law, that expertise is conferred by the State Bar of California, and the holder is known as a Certified Family Law Specialist. Holding this additional certification is further indication of competence.
Finally, check on the California State Bar web site under Attorneys. There you can investigate the status of an attorney’s license, as well as any history of discipline.
Sometimes your budget dictates your choices – but keep in mind when selecting an attorney, this is not the time to skimp.
The Reape-Rickett Law Firm has many extremely qualified Family Law attorneys, all with a proud history of successful practice. We have younger attorneys with lower hourly rates, all of whom are supervised by extremely experienced seasoned attorneys. We also have some of the finest and most experienced family law attorneys in practice today.
For more information about support and other family law matters, contact the Reape-Rickett Law Firm at 661-288-1000. They are located at 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100 in Valencia.