An attorney that usually blogs about estate planning and business planning issues had an interesting post entitled "A good lawyer is honest, realistic, and open with clients." He lists some keys to look for when choosing your attorney, I will apply them to my areas of law, Michigan estate planning, Michigan probate, and estate administration.
The first point is obvious. The attorney or lawyer must be honest. As a Michigan estate planning attorney, I don't see how this is hard on the attorney's end at all. It just makes sense. But still, there are all those unfortunate lawyer jokes out there.
The second point is that the attorney must layout realistic objectives. This comes into play when clients are looking at Michigan Medicaid planning or Michigan asset protection. Often, clients will hear about magic cures to tough legal problems that are not realistic. When I have to let the air out of their balloons, I can tell they are disappointed that the "legal strategy" they heard at a dinner party, might not work.
His third point of openness refers to communication with the client. At our Bloomfield Hills law office, we make a point to be as open and communicative as possible with clients. That is why we opt for a flat-fee versus and hourly billing system whenever possible. This allows clients to communicate with us without feeling like we are hitting a stop watch every time they call or email us.
Hiring a Michigan attorney or Michigan lawyer can be a daunting process. You should look for a honest, realistic and open attorney for your legal needs.
Christopher J. Berry, Esq., A Bloomfield Hills Wills and Trusts Attorney, is a Partner with The Law Offices of Witzke Berry PLLC, which practices in the areas of Bloomfield Hills Wills and Trusts, Living Wills, and Michigan Medicaid Planning, serving Metro Detroit, including Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County from their office in Bloomfield Hills. We can be reached at 248-971-1700.
