Why You Don’t Want to Hire a Bulldog for A Lawyer.

Some attorneys actually advertise that they are “tough” divorce lawyers.

               
I have news for you. 

               
All divorce lawyers who do divorce trial work are tough.  They go to court knowing that sometimes they may lose.  They know they are going to have to answer tough questions from the judge.  They know they are going to have to verbally joust with witnesses during cross examination. Divorce trial work
isn’t for the faint of heart.  And, when they are not in court, they know they are going to go to bed at night worrying about their clients’ cases. They are going to be thinking about their clients’ cases in the shower in the morning and driving to work.  They are going to be thinking about their clients’ cases when on vacation and during other times they are suppose to be spending time with their own children or spouses.

             
In my experience, lawyers who claim they are “tough” are really more agressive than average.  You should hire a tough lawyer.  Don’t get me wrong.  But being“tough” alone is not enough.

Your lawyer should be knowledgeable.

Your lawyer should be experienced.

 Your lawyer should be insightful.

 Your lawyer should be judicious.

 Your lawyer should be focused.

 Your lawyer should be efficient.

 Your lawyer should tell you no every once in a while.

Your lawyer should know the law, the rules of procedure, and the rules of evidence and their way around the court room.  They should be familiar with the players involved in the case: the therapists, guardians ad litem, the clerks, the bailiffs, the juvenile probation officers, and even the victim witness coordinator if domestic violence is involved.

In short, your lawyer should be able to devise a strategic plan for you that is designed to give you the best bang for your buck and the best chances to succeed in the case, not just engage in a scorched earth campaign for the sake of being agressive.   

-Rob Hagy, Charlottesville Divorce Lawyer