Choosing the Best Attorney

The Consultation

There are several ways to make sure that you are choosing the right personal injury attorney. It all begins with the questions you ask during your initial consultation. It’s important to find out whether that attorney will be handling your case or referring it to another firm. You want to work directly with the attorney who will be handling your case. Ask them what percentage of their practice is spent in personal injury litigation versus other areas of law, and then find out what type of results they have been able to achieve in cases similar to yours. Lastly, you want to know how much experience the attorney has in the courtroom. At Feldman, Kleidman, Coffey & Sappe, the courtroom is our home. For over thirty years we have been successfully trying cases in all levels of state and federal courts throughout the Hudson Valley and Capital District.

Qualifications

People often ask me how they can determine whether an attorney is qualified to handle their case. The first step is to check their rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a national legal review service. Martindale-Hubbel rates attorneys based upon their legal abilities and ethical standards. I am proud to have received their AV rating since 1992, placing me in the top 3% of attorneys nationwide. U.S. News and World Report also identifies the best law firms each year. It evaluates over nine thousand legal professionals in eighty-one practice areas. Feldman, Kleidman, Coffey & Sappe has been selected as one of the best medical malpractice defense law firms by U.S. News and World Report every year since 2009. During these years, we have been the only firm chosen in any litigation specialty between Albany and White Plains to receive this honor. Attorneys can also be selected annually for inclusion in Super Lawyers, a designation I have received every year since 2008. Checking these resources for an unbiased opinion will provide you with some of the information you need to make the right decision.

Rapport

When looking to choose the right attorney, one of the most important aspects of the process is determining whether you have rapport with them. Keep in mind that a personal injury lawsuit can be an emotional rollercoaster that can affect you and your family for a long time to come.

It can typically take between two and three years from the time of your accident for your matter to be concluded. Feeling both comfortable and confident with the attorney you have chosen can make all the difference. Before making a decision, decide whether you can see yourself spending a great deal of time with that attorney and that they are the right person to support you on your journey. At Feldman, Kleidman, Coffey & Sappe, we pride ourselves on giving you the time and attention you deserve every step of the way.

By Jeff Feldman