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Wisconsin Law Firms



You will have a number of options when searching for Wisconsin law firms, so it is in your best interest to invest time preparing for consultations and conducting a thorough search of law firms in your area.  Whenever possible, take as many consultations as your need to receive a broad range of opinions on your legal options.  You will need to be flexible in your expectations, but have a rigid definition of what constitutes professionalism and level of communication with the Wisconsin law firm.  With this attitude in mind and the use of this website to conduct form background research, you will be able to find the best Wisconsin law firms on your own efforts.

What are appropriate measures to evaluate Wisconsin law firms?

You should evaluate your law firm on the following criteria:

Professionalism – professionalism is a subjective measure of how the Wisconsin law firm deals with its clients, other lawyers and the legal system in general.  In regards to clients, the Wisconsin law firm must be respectful, listen objectively and accommodate the reasonable needs of the client.  They must also be organized and be able to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.  The client’s expectations should be tempered by the size of the Wisconsin law firm and the severity of the legal issue.  

In terms of other lawyers, you will want the lawyers in the Wisconsin law firm to have a reasonably good relationship with other lawyers, in the event you need to enter settlement or work with the other party.  Lawyers that routinely denigrate other attorneys or pursue personal rivalries are necessarily the best candidates for your legal issue.  Lastly, but most importantly, the Wisconsin law firm must adhere to standards of professional conduct in the courtroom, ensuring that the case is taken seriously and observes the rules of the court.

Communication – communication is critical in many business partnerships and the relationship between the Wisconsin law firms and clients is no exception.  With reasonable accommodation, the Wisconsin law firm should respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner.  You should not the communication policy before committing to a Wisconsin law firm, particularly who you will speak to when you communicate with the Wisconsin law firm and what fees you may pay.  Some law firms will charge fees for phone and/or email communication.

Objectivity – you do not want the Wisconsin law firm to agree with you readily.  Instead, you should opt for a law firm that takes a critical view of your case, in the process improving the weaker elements of the case.  Even for matters that do not involve court, having an objective observer in the situation is preferable to one that will take your word for granted.  You also need the Wisconsin law firm to be honest with you and explain issues that may arise while pursuing legal matters.

Factors to not consider when choosing Wisconsin law firms

Although you may be lead to a Wisconsin law firm by advertising or paid testimonial, never evaluate a law firm through claims made in advertising.  You should also not assume that large or prevalent ds indicate that a law firm is suitable for your needs.  You need to be able to discern which legal relationships are in your interest and if claims made are plausible.  Special care should be taken when considering a Wisconsin law firm for litigation and never use amounts quoted as “typical settlements” as a guideline of what you can expect from pursuing legal action.

The State Bar of Wisconsin and Wisconsin law firms

The State Bar of Wisconsin is an integrated bar, which means that it is part of the state government and membership is mandatory.  The enforcement of professionalism and ethics codes is carried out through the organization.  There are a number of benefits available to lawyers in Wisconsin law firms all of which are available for the purpose of improving the practice of law in the state.

Finding a Wisconsin law firm

The Wisconsin Bar also maintains a lawyer referral service that will connect you to lawyer for no more than $20 for a 30 minute initial consultation.Other resources, such as his website, search engines and advertising are all viable options to find leads on possible law firms, but you must use the criteria described above when determining if the law firm suits your needs and will work in your interest.

Vetting the Wisconsin law firm

There is a state directory provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin and if you cannot find the lawyer you are working with in this database, contact the state bar for more information on that lawyer, including a check of the active status and disciplinary record, if applicable.  Never use the services of a lawyer you know is unauthorized to practice law, especially as the services provided will not be legal or admissible in court.  Even if you do not need representation in court, taking legal advice from an unlicensed entity is not recommended.

Fees and other payment issues with Wisconsin law firms

Always do research on Wisconsin tort reform laws and related legislation that limit what can be paid to Wisconsin law firms or collected from legal actions.  For example, Wisconsin places caps on the contingency fees that the Wisconsin law firm may collect from successful settlements and litigation.  You should note how that capped percentage would affect your legal options and willingness of the Wisconsin law firm to pursue litigation all the way to court if necessary.

You may be required to set up a retainer account for ease of billing, hourly and flat fees associated with the legal action are charged to this account.  The fee arrangement you have with the Wisconsin law firm must specific when this account is billed and also note when the client is obligated to refill the account and if the balance is returned to the client at the end of the relationship with the Wisconsin law firm.

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