Finding the right attorney for you is the most important issue you must face once you have decided to pursue your rights. When finding an attorney to handle your case, you should look for the following characteristics: Experience — there is no substitute for experience. Make sure that the attorney you hire has been practicing for a significant amount of time. Trial Record — many attorneys shy away from the courtroom. You want an attorney who has achieved outstanding verdicts. Settlement Abilities — although it is good to have a trial lawyer in your corner, you also want an attorney who knows how to obtain a fair settlement for your case. Leadership — the best attorneys are usually associated with and hold leadership positions in the best trial lawyer and consumer attorney organizations. Being voted president or an officer of an organization is a signal that the attorney is well respected by his or her peers who may be in a better position than the average consumer to judge the attorneys competence. Scholarship — has the attorney published articles within his or her field. This is a sign of knowledge of the law and the subject matter of your case. Lecturer — has the attorney given lectures for groups of other attorneys, professionals or consumers. If someone has been asked to lecture in front of his or her peers, it is a sign of respect and esteem within the profession. Honors — has the attorney won any significant awards. Ethics — does the attorney have any ethical marks against him or her. Has the attorney received the coveted Martindale Hubbell AV rating. This signifies that peers who have litigated against the attorney, believe the attorney to be highly ethical. Staff — what kind of staff does the attorney have working in the office. You may not want a firm that is either too small or too big. For most personal injury and abuse cases a firm with several attorneys and a strong support staff may be ideal. Significant Cases — although every case is significant to the litigant, some attorneys attract more high profile cases. These attorneys may be asked to litigate these cases because of their special abilities. Empathy — will the attorney care about you and your cause. You want a fighter, but you also want an attorney who understands what you have been through so he or she can convey your losses to a judge, jury, insurance company or employer. Testimonials — if you have an opportunity to review testimonials of an attorney you are considering, take the time to see who is saying what about the attorney. Are the testimonials coming only from former clients? These are important, but more important may be testimonials from people within the legal system that have witnessed the attorney in court and litigation. People like former judges, mediators, expert witnesses and attorneys who have litigated with and against the attorney you are considering. If you would like to speak with a Therapist Abuse Attorney, please click on this link to visit and request a consultation.