Need a Civil Rights Attorney? Here’s Some Advice for Picking One
Choosing the right lawyer is important for any case, but it’s especially important in civil rights cases. Civil laws are constantly changing, so it’s important that you choose someone who is well-versed in the current practices and procedures. You want to choose a lawyer that is both highly experienced in civil rights law and very attuned to what the current state of Civil rights law is. If you reside in Los Angeles or in the Los Angeles area and are looking for legal representation for a civil rights case, here are a few tips to choosing a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles.
Book a Consultation
Most civil rights attorneys in Los Angeles offer a free consultation, but before you go, make sure you ask if there is a fee so you can avoid any potential misunderstandings. In the consultation, the lawyer will be able to offer you expert legal advice on the merit of your case. You can also use the consultation not only to solicit advise from the lawyer, but also to get a sense of his/her credentials and worthiness for your case. Here are some questions you can ask the civil rights attorney in Los Angeles:
- How long have you been practicing civil rights law?
- In the last year, how many civil rights cases has your firm filed? How many have your tried in the last ten years?
- How much of your practice is devoted to civil rights cases?
- Who is your typical client?
- How will your firm handle my case?
If you’re unsatisfied with the answers you receive, you may want to shop around for another civil rights attorney in Los Angeles. Remember, however, that it’s not a lawyer’s job to tell you what you want to hear, but rather to offer you sound and strategic advice regarding the pursuit of your case. There are many civil rights attorneys in Los Angeles, so you certainly don’t have to settle with the first one you sit down with!
Experience vs. Energy
If your civil rights have been violated in any way by the government or police, you’ll want to call a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles. Choosing the right civil rights lawyer is crucial as it can determine whether or not your case wins or loses.
The right civil rights attorney in Los Angeles will have experience with civil rights cases, perhaps cases very similar to yours. You’ll want to choose a lawyer you can speak openly with, and someone who understands the systematic and ideological biases that influence and motivate instances of unlawful discrimination. A good lawyer will also let you know whether your case has any merit right off the bat and will not waste your time or money. If the lawyer decides your case is worth pursuing, he or she will also let you know of any time limits or statutes of limitations that could prevent your ability to act.
Depending on your budget, hiring a top shot civil rights attorney in Los Angeles may not be a viable option. Don’t despair: there are a lot of young and very passionate lawyers who are hungry to prove their worth by taking on tough cases for a fraction of the cost. Remember that just because someone is young doesn’t mean they’re lacking in experience or talent.
Ask Around
As with any profession, word-of-mouth is still the best advertisement. If you don’t know where to start or who to contact, ask your friends and family members or anyone you know that works in the legal field for a recommendation for a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles. A lot of organizations also have affiliated attorneys that they can recommend for cases similar to your own. These organizations frequently suggest civil rights attorneys who have experience and an excellent track record.
If you’ve been the victim of discrimination by the government or police, it’s your right to seek legal counsel and pursue legal action. Choosing a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles may seem daunting, but there are many ways to find the lawyer who is right for you and your case. Ask around. Ask social organizations for recommendations. Go online. Search for cases that are similar to yours and find out their representation. If you have a particularly compelling case, you might, in fact, find that representation comes to you.