Hiring legal counsel
Hiring legal counsel is often as traumatic as talking with an adjuster or an insurance company representative. It should not be, so as long as one keeps in mind that hiring an attorney is just that – one hires an attorney much like hiring an employee. The attorney works for the client, not vice versa.
In hiring proper legal counsel be sure that the attorney is well qualified in the field of maritime law. Do not hire an attorney who gains knowledge and experience of admiralty law during the pendency of the lawsuit at the worker’s expense. Ask the attorney poignant maritime related questions. In hiring an attorney one must have the same faith or trust as that of a fellow employee on the job. Much of one’s future will be in the hands of the attorney. In hiring an attorney investigate his qualifications from those who know best, the attorney’s past clients. Ask for a list of the previous maritime clients he has represented in the past and contact them. They know him, his expertise and experience best.
In hiring an attorney be sure to discuss the apportionment of attorney’s fees and responsibility for payment of the attorney’s out-of-pocket costs. Go over the contract with him and request a copy. Once again, ask his past clients whether the attorney was fair and honest with him regarding fees and costs.
Issues such as termination of an attorney’s services or particulars of actions of an attorney may best be addressed to the Louisiana State Bar Association at 601 St. Charles Avenue , New Orleans , Louisiana (Phone (504) 566-1600) or the Bar Association in your locale.