Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

Re: How do I know if a lawyer is legit?

In Massachusetts, lawyers are regulated by the Board of Bar Overseers. Their web site is http://www.mass.gov/obcbbo. Note, however, that all that will tell you is that a lawyer is admitted to practice and in good standing. It won't tell you if the lawyer knows anything about the area of the law that you need help with. Once you confirm the lawyer is in good standing, then check out their credentials. For example, if it's a criminal case, make sure the lawyer has experience in criminal matters. Good luck!

Re: How do I know if a lawyer is legit?

Frankly speaking, you should be cautious. The organization which governs the conduct and registration of attorneys within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (BBO). If you go to their website, there is a search engine which tells you if a person is licensed within the Commonwealth and if he/she has been disciplined by the BBO. The website, unfortunately, does not tell you what kind of person they are. Here are some general rules to follow when hiring an attorney:

1) Make certain they are licensed in the jurisdiction you plan to retain them in;

2) Make certain there has been no disciplinary action agsinst them;

3) Set up a free consult interview with the attorney to gauge his/her personality ( is he a bully? arrogant? belittling? malicious? condescending? a control freak? etc)

4) Does he/she cut to the chase quickly and not make every legal problem the next complex anitrust case?

5) Does he have experience in the type of matter you want to retain him for?

6) Does he listen to your problem?

7) Is he overly concerned with your "retainer" rather than your problem?

Lastly, I would follow this rule:

only pay an attorney an hourly rate for a case which involves ministarial tasks and low level discretionary tasks ( real estate closings, basic contract drafting, drafting business organization documents, tax planning, drafting wills and trusts etc..). Always share the burden and risk of litigation by entering into a contingency fee arangement( within the bounds of ethical rules) with the attorney.:) That way, there will always be a happy client, and less chance for the attorney to put on a dog and poney show just to earn a high fee. Good luck:)