How to Select an Attorney - Tip #2

Shannon C. Carey - SiebenCarey "Know Your Rights" AttorneyMay 14, 2014

Focus on Focus

One of the most important things to find out regarding an attorney you’re interviewing is what percentage of his or her time is spent in the area of practice related to your situation. For example, a lawyer may list her practice areas as personal injury, family and estate planning. If you are going through a divorce, you’ll want to know what percentage of the attorney’s time is spent practicing family law. 

Ideally, you want to find a lawyer who focuses 100 percent on the area of law pertaining to your legal need. Like the practice of medicine, the legal profession has grown increasingly complex and specialized. Just as you wouldn’t want to hire a heart surgeon who devotes half his practice to dermatology, you shouldn’t hire a “part-time” trial lawyer or divorce lawyer. 

In some situations, however – mostly in the area of business law – a lawyer may practice in several areas that are related and complementary. For example, the areas of tax, finance, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, closely held businesses, securities and shareholder rights may have enough overlap that knowledge in more than one area is beneficial. 

But that’s not the case in consumer law. If you look at the main areas of consumer law – family, personal injury, estate planning and criminal law – you’ll see very little, if any, overlap between practice areas that would benefit you, the client. If your personal injury lawyer spends half his time drafting wills, that’s not going to make him a better trial lawyer. 

So, focus on your lawyer’s focus. Narrow your search by interviewing only those lawyers who are fully dedicated to your area of need.

Client Reviews

out of 200 reviews
Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Jazz Smith

SiebenCarey is a professional and dedicated law organization that help accident victim.

Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

St. Paul Local 12

Thanks for everything, your experience paid off BIG!!!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Michelle Hanks

After suffering a life changing traumatic brain injury, Jim Carey and his staff made my recovery process so much easier. They guided me through all of my medical treatment and mediation and made me feel supported the entire time. Even though COVID-19 put a spin on things and process changes, everything was so smooth. I would recommend this team any day!

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