Do you know how to find a good lawyer? How about asking:
What percentage of cases do you win?
A high percentage of wins sounds good to many people. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get a good lawyer.
Let me let you in a secret: lawyers know high percentages impress people. A lawyer with a 99% success record sounds better than one who wins 75% of cases. It is good marketing to keep a high percentage of wins. Not good “lawyering”, good “marketing.” That means lawyers may do anything to keep their percentages up.
How do lawyers keep a high percentage of wins? By turning away cases that may lose. That means, not only do lawyers evaluate a case based on merit and need and yes even compensation, but also by asking the question, “will it bring down my percentage?”
Why is keeping a high percentage bad for you as a client?
Winning more cases is still winning more cases! Right? Doesn’t it mean I have a greater chance of being successful with this lawyer?
I do not believe so. You do not become a weightlifter by sticking with 20 pound dumbbells. Playing it safe doesn’t build muscles to make you stronger.
You do not become a better lawyer by playing it safe and only taking slam dunk cases. Fighting a tough fight makes you a better fighter. For lawyers, that means taking harder cases, cases that may lose - because it makes them stretch themselves, figure out new strategies, and try harder.
Instead of focusing on percent of cases won, ask:
- How long have you been working in this area?
- How many of these cases do you take each year?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
This will give you more information about the lawyer that you can actually use to determine if the lawyer is right for you.
=========================================================Disclaimer: This is NOT legal advice. This site provides general information about Social Security disability cases in Colorado. To discuss your particular circumstances, please contact a lawyer in your area. Please review the full disclaimer .
