is it better to have an attorney who is local

Working locally is a big advantage for an attorney. When you describe your situation, a local attorney can see how all the pieces fit together before the process even starts. If you received a traffic ticket, your attorney will likely know the officer who cited you.

Full Answer

Why hire a local lawyer?

Score: 4.5/5 ( 48 votes ) Local attorneys are more likely to take special care to maintain a positive reputation in their home court. They are more likely to come prepared with a thorough, strategic approach to advance your rights. This is not true for outside attorneys who may never appear in that court again.

Who should I use as a lawyer?

Sep 18, 2019 · A local lawyer is more likely to have overhead expenses at the local market rate. They don’t have to travel as far, so they’ll have lower expenses. A Local Attorney is More Accessible. In addition to having lower expenses, a local lawyer is more likely to be available to meet you in person. They’ll be able to handle a meeting and address any questions you may …

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

May 13, 2016 · Local attorneys are more likely to take special care to maintain a positive reputation in their home court. They are more likely to come prepared with a thorough, strategic approach to advance your rights. This is not true for outside attorneys who may never appear in that court again. Reason #5: Convenient Location and Greater Access. The last reason why a …

Do I need a public defender or a private lawyer?

9. A Reputation For Integrity. Your workers’ compensation claim is important; it helps to have a well-established, local attorney with a reputation for integrity. We have earned the trust and respect of the local courts and hearing boards. 10. We Follow Through.

How much does a local attorney cost?

What does a local lawyer do?

How do you find a good attorney?

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

How much do lawyers make an hour?

What are some questions you should ask a lawyer?

How long does it take to be a lawyer?

What is the retainer fee?

Why is a local attorney preferable to a non-local attorney?

The last reason why a local attorney is preferable to a non-local is convenience. If an attorney’s primary office is 50 miles away, he or she may be reluctant to meet with you regularly. There is also something to be said for being able to travel from your lawyer’s office to the court in a matter of minutes. The convenience of being on your attorney’s home turf can make the process less stressful.

Why is reputation important in law?

Reputation is important in the practice of law. If you spend much time in a court, you will quickly see which attorneys have high regard (and which don’t). Local attorneys are more likely to take special care to maintain a positive reputation in their home court. They are more likely to come prepared with a thorough, strategic approach to advance your rights. This is not true for outside attorneys who may never appear in that court again.

1. Preparation And Review

If your first meeting with your workers’ compensation lawyer takes place at your hearing, you may be shortchanging yourself. You wouldn’t want the initial consultation with your surgeon to be in the operating room, would you? If you are hurt on the job, your future earnings may be severely limited.

2. Understanding The Details

Selecting a qualified local attorney gives you the opportunity to meet face-to-face and discuss the details of your case. Together, we can assess the strength of your case. Your lawyer will advise you about how to document your claim, and the proper steps by which these documents may be obtained.

3. Easy Access

Some workers’ comp claims drag on for years. Our office in Schenectady provides easy access to individuals throughout the claims process. We believe that every client should have the ability to consult with their attorney, anytime, for any reason, without an appointment.

4. We Know The Legal Territory

As a local firm, we are experienced in handling workers’ compensation and disability claims at each of the local hearing boards located in Menands and Glens Falls, New York. We understand the policies and procedures of the local administrative judges in the area.

5. Fast Availability

If you think you have a claim, do not wait to speak with a qualified, local workers’ compensation lawyer. However, even if your case is scheduled for tomorrow, we can assist you. While advance notice is preferable, our attorneys appear every day at local comp board hearings. We can appear on your behalf with little notice, if necessary.

6. We Understand The Medical Process

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing claimants before the Social Security Administration and the Workers’ Compensation Board. We have experience with local doctors and medical professionals throughout the area. This includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, therapists, psychologists and more.

7. Thorough Review

At Silverman, Silverman & Seligman, P.C., we thoroughly review each case in its entirety, particularly with regard to workers’ compensation offset issues. Are you familiar with your ACE? With your PIA? Probably not but we will be — and it can be extremely important.

Joseph Briscoe Dane

There is something to be said for how you "click" with an attorney - and potentially how a jury will as well.#N#You haven't specified a practice area or what type situation this is. You also haven't indicated whether or not this case is very likely or very unlikely to go to trial. If the...

Lloyd Stewart Mann

There are some instances where it makes sense to retain an attorney who does not live, and does not normally practice, in the jurisdiction where your case is pending.

Herb Fox

I agree with my colleagues' thoughtful responses. One more factor is this: in a small town or local courthouse, there may be a "hometown" advantage. If your case is in downtown L.A. or another large community courthouse such as Santa Monica or Van Nuys, however, it will matter much less.

Maritza S. Ramos

I believe the most important part of an Attorney/Client relationship is how comfortable the client feels with the Attorney. If you have an attorney that is good at what they do and you feel comfortable that they are going to handle your case efficiently it does not matter that they are distant from the Court.

Adrienne Patricia Allen

It is very important that you have a good relationship with your attorney who listens to you and is a good communicator. One hour away is not that far. However, keep in mind, depending on the type of matter, you may have to pay the attorney's travel expenses. It's really a matter of personal preference and evel of trust in the attorney you hire...

Paula Brown Sinclair

Only you can decide whether hiring any particular attorney is a good or bad idea. Be aware that the farther an attorney is from you and any court which will hear your case is an expense factor to be considered.#N#Best wishes for an outcome you can accept, and please remember to designate a...

Where do lawyers work?

Lawyers may find employment in corporations, government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Some may choose to pursue a career in education as well. For attorneys, several career paths are influenced by a professional's specialization, location, level of experience and professional goals.

Is an attorney a lawyer?

It is helpful to remember that all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. The major difference is that attorneys can represent clients in court and other legal proceedings, while lawyers cannot.

What are the different types of law?

While attending law school, both lawyers and attorneys choose to specialize in an area of the law. When practicing, an individual in either role can provide legal advice and support in the specialization they chose. Some of the most common fields include: 1 Real estate law 2 Family law 3 Criminal law 4 Intellectual property law 5 General law 6 Corporate and business law 7 Tax law 8 Bankruptcy law 9 Civil rights law 10 Environmental law 11 Immigration law 12 Labor and employment law 13 Personal injury law

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is someone who has been educated in the law and has completed law school. They can provide legal advice to others, but they cannot represent clients in court because they have not passed the bar exam. Some lawyers work under attorneys to gain experience in a law firm setting while preparing to take the bar exam.

What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?

The major difference is that attorneys can represent clients in court and other legal proceedings, while lawyers cannot.

What is the primary job of a legal counsel lawyer?

Primary duties: A legal counsel lawyer provides guidance and advice for a corporation or organization. They serve as the in-house legal compliance resource, as well as aid the members of the organization in all legal-related needs.

What are the duties of an attorney?

Additional duties of an attorney include interpreting federal and state laws, applying their knowledge of the law to meet the needs of their clients and keeping careful records that outline their interactions with clients and other legal professionals.

Is it bad to hire a private lawyer?

For many people, the only disadvantage of hiring a private lawyer is having to pay for his or her services. This can sometimes be a substantial amount especially if the case is serious. However, the advantages of hiring a private lawyer often far outweigh the disadvantage of having to pay for the services he or she provides.

Do public defenders make less money than private lawyers?

Public defenders are governmental employees. As such, they usually make much less than private lawyers. Since so many people are unable to afford to hire a lawyer for their criminal defense, they often have large caseloads. It is common for public defenders to be overworked and underpaid.

What is a public defender?

A public defender is appointed to defendants who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer and who requests one to be appointed. Therefore, the defendant does not have to pay for his or her lawyer, which can otherwise be very expensive. Public defenders are familiar with a variety of criminal cases and usually have experience working on criminal cases.

Why are public defenders underpaid?

These dynamics can make it so that they may make mistakes with cases or not have as much time to prepare. Due to possibly juggling hundreds of cases at a time, a public defender may have limited amounts of time to actually meet with clients.

What is private investigator?

Private investigators may help unearth important evidence that will aid the defense. Private lawyers also have additional staff, associates and paralegals that can help on the case. Private lawyers can be contacted in their office or by phone in comparison to public defenders who may be very difficult to get a hold of.

What is the purpose of a private laboratory?

Expert witnesses may be hired to explain a key aspect of the case. Private laboratories may be used to test evidence that will be used against the defendant. Private investigators may help unearth important evidence that will aid the defense.