Question:
SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER I ONLY KNOW FROM A BILLBOARD OR TELEVISION AD? Tammy, Inverness, Florida
Answer by Attorney Keith Taylor:
Lawyers in Florida are regulated by The Florida Bar. The Florida Bar attempts to regulate lawyer advertising, but the standards are not easy to identify and are inconsistently applied. All advertising should carry a warning that tells potential clients that they should not base their decision to hire a lawyer solely on advertising, and that they can request written information related to the lawyer's qualifications. Most people don't pick a doctor because of a billboard or yellow page ad, but for some reason, many choose their lawyer that way.
The best way to find a qualified lawyer who will represent your interests in any legal matter is to speak with friends, family and other professional community members (accountants, clergy, doctors, etc...) and find out what they know about any particular lawyer or law firm. Being referred to a lawyer by someone you trust is usually the best way to ensure a positive relationship and experience.
Most billboard and television (even yellow page) advertisers do not have an active office in the rural areas in which they advertise. When a prospective client calls the "1-800" number, the intake clerk will usually take some information and offer to send someone to you (because they don't have a local office). Usually, that person who comes to you is NOT A LAWYER, and if he or she is, they are not likely to be the lawyer who will handle your case. Just because you call the lawyer's office and someone comes to your home, you are not committed to hire that person. You should feel comfortable that your interests will be adequately represented by a qualified lawyer who will keep you properly informed about your case.
Your legal case may be one of the most significant things in your entire life. You should not put this very important matter in the hands of someone you only know from a billboard.
