10 Things Divorce Attorneys Won’t Say: “I’ve Only Handled a Couple of Divorce Cases”
By Attorney Gregg Herman
June 25, 2012
June 25, 2012
Smart Money magazine recently ran an article entitled “10 Things Divorce Attorneys Won’t Say.” So far, I’ve covered 1, 2, 3 and 4 in previous posts. Here’s #5:
“I’ve only handled a couple of divorce cases. Ever.“
Of course, this one doesn’t apply to me, but what amazes me is how infrequently clients ever ask me the following questions:
- What percentage of your practice is divorce?
- How long has that been the case?
- Are you certified by any organization as a specialist?
- Have you ever handled a case with issues like mine?
- What is your rate of settlement vs. trial?
- Do you have litigation experience?
- Do you have any training or experience as a mediator or other settlement methods?
If I met with a doctor for a medical problem, those are the questions I’d be asking! Yet, typically, the questions I get asked are the following:
- What is your retainer?
- What is your hourly rate?
- Do you do flat fee billing?
For cases with minimal assets, those questions are fine. But, for cases with a lot at stake or complex issues, a potential client should be less interested in cost and more interested in the skill and experience of the lawyer.
Attorney Gregg Herman is a founding partner of Loeb & Herman, LLC in Milwaukee, WI. He practices family law exclusively, and can be reached via e-mail or by calling (414) 272-5632.
