Do You Ever Turn Down Cases?
First, lets get to know each other
I am frequently asked if I ever turn down cases. The short answer is yes, even if it is a case I believe has financial value. The reason I do so is that I need to make sure we are a good fit for each other and determine if I am the right man for the job.
The first thing I do when meeting with a possible new client is sit down with them in my office and get to know them. When this meeting starts, I am more interested in getting to know you as a person than as a case. Before I ask for details about the incident, I want to find out who you are.
Are you a dog person or a cat person? I always start by getting to know you.
For the first part of my new client meetings, I discuss most anything but the case. I want to know a bit about you so I can make recommendations on how I can best help you. Not everyone is automatically served by getting the most money possible. I need to know something about your family, how your injuries have changed your life. In doing so, I can determine if I think you need different doctors, vocational counseling, help with day to day activities. Interestingly enough, in doing so, I have found through experience that this process actually does allow me to get much better financial results.
It’s Not About The Money
There is a lot more to a case than the monetary damages.
By getting a sense of who you are and how you have been wronged, I can determine exactly how to help you. Most importantly, this process almost always results in me getting to really care about you as a person. These cases last a long time. We are going to spend a lot of time together. It goes without saying that you can fight harder for someone you care about and like than someone who just represents a paycheck.
My thoughts on this cut both ways. Likewise, I want you to get to know me as a person. If you like me, you are going to trust me and believe in me. You will know without question that I will do everything in my power to protect your best interests. If you are confident you have the best attorney possible, it lets you rely on my advice and focus on your recovery.
THERE MAY BE TIMES WHEN I AM NOT THE MAN FOR THE JOB.
On rare occasions, there are times that I feel that I may not be a good fit. Typically that is because I get a sense I may not jibe well with a particular client. I may not think that person’s expectations are realistic or their personality is a good match for mine. On those occasions, I will turn down a case, even if I think I can make money on it. If I think I will be butting heads with my client, I am not doing either of us a favor by taking the case. I will never take a case if I do not believe I am the best person for the job. However, If I take the case, rest assured, no one will fight harder for you.
I’m here to protect you
My job is to protect your best interests, to fight for your rights, to obtain justice. I will not take your case unless I can be certain there is no one better for the job. As I frequently tell my clients, I will treat your case with no less passion than if you were my mom or sisters- a member of my family.