A sexual assault lawyer can help with a sensitive case that you will be able to handle alone.
The stories of sexual assault are not new to us anymore. They have been in our lives for quite some time now, even before the #MeToo movement was trending on social media. Sexual assault is a traumatizing experience. It can be more traumatic if the legal process is too complex for you to pursue on your own.
Sexual assault lawyers make sure that you get through this challenging time in your life with as few complications as possible. These lawyers specialize in handling cases of sexual violence, including harassment, sexual abuse, etc. They are familiar with the laws involved in cases of sexual violence to ensure that they guide their clients accordingly.
They are also well-aware of the legal loopholes that perpetrators often take advantage of and can plan their strategy accordingly to bring justice to victims.
However, not everyone can just go and consult a sexual assault lawyer. There are certain circumstances under which you must seek the help of a good lawyer to handle your case appropriately. Not to mention that sexual assaults are unfortunately legal minefields that need careful attention.
How Do You Find a Good & Trustworthy Sexual Assault Lawyer?
In a time when people are discouraged from having faith in their elected officials, it seems ironic that so many of us have faith in the integrity and good judgment of lawyers. This is especially troubling since there are virtually no restrictions on who can be a lawyer or how one can become a lawyer.
As a result, many people find themselves hiring lawyers for reasons they are not entirely familiar with. This may cause many to go with the first lawyer that their friends suggest, which can often be a poor decision and lead to time-consuming problems later.
Here are eight tips to help you hire an ethical and competent sexual assault lawyer:
1) Lawyer Length of Time in Practice-
Experience is often a very good indicator of quality. Law can be a lifelong career, so it makes sense that experienced lawyers have the most experience in representing clients.
In addition, there’s no better way to learn than from your mistakes. Those who are just starting out are likely to have made many mistakes that more experienced lawyers wouldn’t have. This is important because the number one cause of malpractice suits against lawyers is due to negligence. This happens when you hire an inexperienced lawyer.
2) Area of Specialty-
While most lawyers will claim to be competent in many different areas of law, most people need an attorney for only one or two things. For instance, if it’s about a sexual assault case, you need to hire a sexual assault lawyer with vast experience.
Law is a highly complex field, and it’s unlikely that any single individual can have experience in every area of law. The best lawyers are often specialists who only practice in one particular area, such as immigration or personal injury claims.
3) Lawyer Level of Education-
Law schools require to meet certain standards to maintain their accreditation. Usually, lawyers obtain law degrees from either a research university or a school with similar professional standards. Thus, it’s best to look for lawyers who have graduated from one of these types of schools. Law schools most often associated with prestigious universities usually provide very good education and produce competent lawyers.
4) Awards and Achievements-
Most lawyers are very dedicated to their work, but there may be specific attorneys who stand out from the rest. Lawyer associations is a place where you can find lawyers who have been recognized for their hard work and dedication to the field. They may not be as prestigious as some law schools, but they can still provide valuable information about lawyers with excellent credentials.
6) Lawyer Ethics and Standards-
Lawyers are ethically required to follow the Law Society’s guidelines for ethical behavior to maintain their license. Lawyer ethics can sometimes prove confusing. Therefore, it’s best to hire someone known for following law ethics and standards.
7) References and Recommendations-
A lawyer’s past clients are usually the best sources of information about their quality of service. Consider hiring a sexual assault lawyer with excellent references and recommendations. The magic of the internet will allow you to look for any information you require, client testimonials.
8) Lawyer Fees and Costs-
There are no laws in Canada that determine what a lawyer can charge for their services. The fees of sexual assault lawyers and other lawyers vary widely by geographic location and other factors. Meaning there’s no specific cost about their services. Hence, it’s best to find out how much an attorney will cost before hiring them.
The Bottom Line
Lawyers provide invaluable services to those who are going through the legal process. Attorneys such as sexual assault attorneys are equally handling both civil and criminal aspects of sexual violence cases. Sexual assaults often leave a deep psychological impact on the victim. A competent lawyer can help victims rebuild their lives by bringing justice through their legal expertise.
