Selecting a lawyer: what you should know
Contrary to the image portrayed on television and in the movies, most lawyers do work that is decidedly less glamorous but necessary to protect the rights of their clients.
If you are in a situation that you believe warrants the services of a lawyer, there are some basic facts you should know.
- Your lawyer must be completely loyal to you with no conflicts of interest. This means he or she must have no competing interests with other persons, including the lawyer's own interests.
- Your lawyer must know all the facts of the case - including those which may appear unfavorable to your cause. Furthermore, they must not disclose those facts to anyone without your consent unless required to do so by law. Your lawyer must keep your confidences. At the same time, your lawyer must be loyal to the administration of justice. So, while he or she may use in your behalf all legitimate means, your lawyer must not resort to illegal or unethical tactics or untruths.
- Your lawyer must be licensed to practice law in Illinois. The preparation for such a law license and legal practice requires a great deal of time, hard work and expense. The licensed lawyer must graduate from an accredited law school and must pass the Illinois bar examination, a rigid test of knowledge in all fields of law. Finally, he or she must submit to an examination of personal character and fitness to practice law before being admitted to the bar.
- You should feel comfortable with your lawyer. Most people select as their lawyer one whom they have met or is recommended by friends or relatives. When this is not possible, advice may be sought by contacting a referral service, such as the Illinois State Bar Association lawyer referral service at www.isbalawyers.com. However the selection is made, you should have confidence in the lawyer who undertakes to represent you.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.