how do i look up past cases of a lawyer

Search court records. If you know the name of at least one party to a case in which an attorney was involved, you can find copies of those records through individual court. Many jurisdictions have made these records available electronically through their court websites at no cost.

Full Answer

How do I find information about an attorney?

Feb 05, 2013 · The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance described in the question, or in the State where this charge is filed. I am an attorney licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey. Consult a local attorney if your case arises outside the State of New Jersey.

How do I Find my Old Court cases?

Jul 20, 2013 · Reveal number. tel: (888) 406-4020. Call. Posted on Jul 20, 2013. Pacer will tell you information about federal cases but nothing about state cases. You can also use the find a lawyer tool on Avvo to see what client reviews exist for attorneys in the field of law you are looking for.

How do I find out if a lawyer is representing a defendant?

Step 1. Go to your local criminal courthouse and ask for a listing of recent cases in which the attorney has represented a defendant. While many jurisdictions have case records online, that is not the case in every state or municipality.

How do I find out if an attorney has been sued?

May 05, 2020 · You can Google the lawyer’s name or the firm they belong to. Google will bring you all the relevant information about the lawyer. This includes any news stories, online reviews, or publications relating to the lawyer and, most importantly, the attorney track record.

How do I find old court records online?

Can you request your files from your lawyer?

Can I lookup a court case online UK?

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

How long do lawyer's have to keep files in California?

Are UK court cases public record?

Are court sentences Public Record UK?

Are court results Public UK?

4 attorney answers

Three separate "forces" dictate how long a case will take and how much time and effort and work will be necessary for the case. Picture a triangle.

Christine C McCall

Pacer will tell you information about federal cases but nothing about state cases. You can also use the find a lawyer tool on Avvo to see what client reviews exist for attorneys in the field of law you are looking for.

Step 1

Go to your local criminal courthouse and ask for a listing of recent cases in which the attorney has represented a defendant. While many jurisdictions have case records online, that is not the case in every state or municipality.

Step 2

File an open records request with the public defender's office or local court. If the attorney is a public defender, then his office has a duty to release information regarding every case he has defended while working there and even has to release performance reviews.

Step 3

Call the local bar association and ask for the any records on file related to your attorney. The bar association will have information on disciplinary actions and complaints filed by prior clients.

What is a lawyer's track record?

A lawyer’s track record is a clear indicator of how good an attorney is at their job. That’s why it’s so important to look at your lawyer’s track record before you get one for the job. However, not everyone knows how to do so. Here’s how to research an attorney track record before you sign any retainer agreement and get trusted personal attorney.

Does Google bring you information about a lawyer?

Google will bring you all the relevant information about the lawyer. This includes any news stories, online reviews, or publications relating to the lawyer and , most importantly , the attorney track record. The downside to Googling your lawyer is that it might take you a while before you actually find any relevant information.

Do you have to do homework to win a court case?

Your chances of winning or losing a court case majorly depend on your attorney. As such, it is imperative to do your homework on any lawyer you settle for to handle your case. We know how frustrating it can be to get the right lawyer for your case.

Does the state bar have disciplinary information?

The state bar association also has plenty of information on any attorney discipline. Each state bar will have a disciplinary organization, where you can find information on lawyers’ conduct. That’s because the state bar associations keep up-to-date and accurate records on any ethical violations by their lawyers.

Can you look at other people's cases?

You cannot look at other peoples cases. And if you get a new attorney, your new attorney has the right to look at the records of your past lawyers cases if they pertain to you but not anyone else's. The lawyer has a right to have the old lawyer hand over your previous or present cases if you are changing lawyers.

Can a lawyer make an appearance on the record?

It’s not at all uncommon for a lawyer in a firm to do a lot of work on a case but not make any on-the-record appearances. In any case, you will only be able to find information that is in the public record and not subject to any claims of privilege.

Do lawyers take cases?

Lawyers generally will not take cases where they know they cannot do anything at all to help the client. Most are too busy to fool around with that. Conversely, lawyers will often take cases that can be charitably described as an uphill battle, for a variety of reasons.

Why do criminal prosecutor pursue cases?

Prosecutors might pursue cases where they are unlikely to secure a conviction because of the severity of the crime, or the high profile nature of the crime, or because while they may not get a conviction on the highest charge, there are lesser included crimes where they can.

Do states have similar courts?

Many U.S. states have similar systems, but each is separate and different, so you would have to learn how to navigate each system on its own. You would have to check each jurisdiction where you know that lawyer has handled cases in a State-level court, if you want a comprehensive list of his or her cases.

Why do prosecutor pursue cases where they are unlikely to secure a conviction?

Prosecutors might pursue cases where they are unlikely to secure a conviction because of the severity of the crime, or the high profile nature of the crime, or because while they may not get a conviction on the highest charge, there are lesser included crimes where they can.

What happens if you have no law?

If you have no law, the judge can throw the case out and let you appeal, or the judge can permit the case to go forward and let the other side appeal. Footnotes. [ 1] MARCHERS LAUD CITY'S NEW LAW PROHIBITING BIAS.

Where are court records stored?

When court records and case files are eligible for permanent preservation, they are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for storage and preservation. These records can be accessed directly from NARA.

Is there a fee for court opinions on PACER?

Court opinions are available for free on PACER to anyone with an account. Additionally, access to court opinions from many appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts are available for no fee in a text searchable format through a partnership with the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), consistent with the E-Government Act.

What to do if a judge has been involved in similar cases?

If a judge has been involved in similar cases, you can provide a brief summary rather than providing extensive background information and spend more time on your argument. Knowing this information up front will help you save a significant amount of time and energy.

Why is it important to know the background of a judge?

It is important to know the judge’s background on a case so that you can use your time as effectively, both in court and while you are preparing for a case. If a judge has been involved in similar cases, you can provide a brief summary rather than providing extensive background information and spend more time on your argument.