how to find out who the lawyer was on a case

Full Answer

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

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. File an open records request with the public defender's office or local court.

How do I find out if a lawyer has ever been sued?

Call the contact telephone numbers that were listed for the attorneys whose names you found in the court records.If the telephone numbers are invalid, call the state bar association for the state in which the lawyers practiced and ask to speak to the person in charge of membership records.

How do I find an attorney’s records?

Before you begin to search for an attorney’s records, compile identifying information that will assist you with your research, including her full name, name of the firm where she is employed, the states where she is practicing and where she attended law school. Inquire with state bar associations.

How do I find out if a lawyer has died?

If the lawyer is still a member, the state bar association should have her contact information. Get out all the signed legal documents that were found among the deceased's property and look for any signatures that were notarized.

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.

How to find out if an attorney was involved in a case?

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.

What is attorney record?

Attorney records comprise a number of documents, including details regarding bar membership, professional disciplinary history, reported cases and academic history. They can be used to verify a lawyer’s credentials before client retention or as a background check for employment.

What can a state bar association provide?

If the lawyer you are researching is practicing legally in your state, the state bar association can provide records regarding the status of her law license, history of professional disciplinary actions and current place of employment.

Who can help you find additional resources?

Because the structure of each state’s bar system is different, the Clerk of the Court or a bar association representative can help you find additional resources exclusive to your jurisdiction.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.

Michael James Duffy

Many times the best result is an out-of court settlement, where the case does not proceed to trial or a verdict. In some cases, success is determined by limiting damages rather than a decision in favor of the client. There might be various claims, some of which are successes at being avoided while others are all but inevitable.

Christopher Edward Ezold

Before I respond to your inquiry, I must state that we have not spoken, I have not reviewed the relevant documents and facts, and I do not represent you. Therefore, my discussion below is not a legal opinion, but is informational only.

Jeffrey Anthony Skiendziul

If you want to investigate the reputation and acumen of who is representing you then either ask the attorney directly about their past experience, type their name into a google search engine or use this site to review the resume of your attorney.

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 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.

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.

Is word on the street credible?

Word on the street isn’t a very credible source of information, but there’s always some truth to it. A lawyer’s street cred will speak volumes about their credibility and attorney track record. Try to get some recommendations from family and friends for some great lawyers.

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.

How to help a deceased person?

Ask them if they know about events in the deceased's life that would have required legal representation, like an arrest or a lawsuit. Follow up on any leads.

What is a state bar ad?

Place an ad that asks any lawyer who represented the deceased to contact you, and list your email address, your telephone number, and your postal address .