Attorneys

The Lead Counsel Program

Hiring an attorney is typically done when you are facing some sort of emergency - whether it be fighting a criminal charge, filing for bankruptcy to stop foreclosure, or seeking experienced divorce counsel. When it comes to these serious legal issues, the difference between a successful resolution and an unfavorable outcome may rest on the experience, expertise and reputation of your attorney.

LawInfo's Lead Counsel Program was established in 1997 as a quality-assurance service for consumers and businesses to find experienced legal representation quickly and easily.

The Lead Counsel Difference

Experience and reputation are two of the most important factors to consider when selecting an attorney.

LawInfo's Lead Counsel certification process includes the following minimum qualifications:

1. Ample Experience. All Lead Counsel rated attorneys must meet and/or exceed stringent practice area qualifications, and must demonstrate that a significant portion of their practice is dedicated to the area of law the attorney is rated in.
2. Good Standing. LawInfo verifies that all Lead Counsel rated attorneys are in good standing with their state bar association, they maintain a clean record, and have never had any disciplinary actions taken against them.
3. Peer references. Lead Counsel rated attorneys are well-respected among their peers, and have been recommended for inclusion into the program by multiple attorneys in their practice area(s). LawInfo obtains a minimum of three peer references to verify the Lead Counsel candidate's reputation.
4. Annual review. In order for a firm or attorney to retain the right to a Lead Counsel rating, an annual review is mandatory.

Many Lead Counsel rated attorneys also hold official positions in renowned legal organizations, occupy positions on established professional boards, have won industry awards, and have been recognized by their bar associations. Many also play important roles in their communities.

Lead Counsel Client Commitment Declaration

In addition, Lead Counsel members pledge to maintain the following service standards:

1. Treat clients with respect and courtesy.
2. Promptly return clients' telephone calls and e-mails.
3. Discuss clients' objectives and strategies for representation.
4. Thoroughly explain to clients their rights and legal obligations.
5. Represent clients competently and diligently.
6. Keep clients informed and provide clients with copies of all pleadings, correspondence, and case-related materials, if so requested.
7. Treat clients' information with the utmost confidentiality, handle client matters with the highest degree of ethical conduct, and always comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
8. Charge a reasonable fee and explain in advance how the fee will be computed and billed.
9. Remain in good standing with any bar association in any jurisdiction in which the attorney is admitted to practice in.
10. Stay current in their field of expertise by taking all relevant continuing education courses as required by their state bar association.

A lot of people ask if Lead Counsel attorneys charge more and overwhelmingly the answer is no. With a Lead Counsel rated attorney, you don't need to pay more to get the experienced legal representation you need.

When you choose a Lead Counsel attorney, you're not alone. Over 80 media, consumer, and membership organizations across the country rely on LawInfo's Lead Counsel database as their exclusive attorney directory, and use LawInfo as their definitive source for legal information.

Don't just take our word for it. Read for yourself what other visitors have to say.

* LawInfo is not a referral service and does not make recommendations or endorsements of the use of any particular attorney's services.