    
HOW TO SELECT
AN ATTORNEY
Obtain Suggestions
Selecting an attorney is a very important
process. You may wish to obtain suggestions from friends. However,
keep in mind that the attorney that handled your friend's divorce may know
nothing at all about contract law.
Another good source is Martindale-Hubbell
which rates attorneys. Martindale-Hubbell is
the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession
which is relied upon by Corporations and other attorneys looking for
assistance from other lawyers. With a history spanning more than 133
years, the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network is currently powered by a
database of over one million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries.
To see Mr. Sullivan's rating click
here to go to his listing in Martindale-Hubbell and click on
"rating info".
Check With the State Bar to Verify the
Attorney is in Good Standing
It is amazing how many people practice law when
they have been suspended or have a discipline action pending against them by the
State Bar. Check the State Bar's Internet
Site for Member Records to be sure the
person is an attorney, is still "Active" and if
the attorney has a record of discipline. The State Bar has other information on
the Internet on selecting
an attorney.
Ask for a Free Consultation
Most attorneys are more than happy to meet
with you at no charge for half an hour to discuss your matter and why they
are qualified to represent you. Note that this is not a "free
lunch." Do not expect the attorney to give you free advice on how to
handle the matter yourself, this is a get acquainted session not free legal
advice. After all, you would not expect to take your car into the dealer's
repair shop and expect them to give you a list of problems, instructions on
how to repair them and a list of parts without charging you. Do not be
afraid to ask detailed questions about the attorney's background,
experience, fees and your expectations. This is your opportunity to find out
if you will be comfortable working with the attorney.
Always Get a Written Contract with the
Attorney and Read It
You should insist on a written contract with an
attorney. It should spell out the nature of the work to be undertaken, the
fee to be charged and how it is arrived at and whether the attorney carries
Legal Malpractice Insurance. If the attorney does not carry such insurance,
you might want to reconsider. The Law Offices of John A. Sullivan do carry
Legal Malpractice Insurance.
The Law Offices of John A. Sullivan represents clients throughout the State
of California.
If you are looking for an attorney or lawyer in any of categories listed
on the Fields of Expertise page and the matter is located in the State of
California, and in particular any of the following communities, The Law Offices of
John A. Sullivan is the law office for you:
Alpine County: Bear Valley, Kirkwood, Hope Valley, Lake Alpine,
Markleeville or Woodfords.
Amador County: Amador City, Jackson, Ione, Pine Grove,
Pioneer, Plymouth, Sutter Creek or Volcano.
Calaveras County: Angel's Camp, Arnold, Copperopolls, Mokelumne
Hill, Mountain Ranch, Murphys, San Andreas, Tamarack or West Point.
El Dorado County: Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills,
Diamond Springs, Placerville, Pollack Pines.
Placer County: Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Kings Beach, Lincoln, Loomis, Roseville,
Rocklin or Tahoe City.
Sacramento County: Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt,
Isleton, Rancho Cordova or Sacramento.
San Joaquin County: Escalon, Lathrop, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon,
Stockton or Tracy.
Stanislaus County: Ceres, Crows Landing, Denair, Empire, Grayson,
Hickman, Hughson, Keys, Knights Ferry, La Grange, Modesto, Newman, Oakdale,
Patterson, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock, Valley Home, Waterford or Westley.
Law Offices of John A. Sullivan
13610 Redbud Lane
Pine Grove, CA 95665
(209)296-2111
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