Is an experienced LAWYER actually that much better than a CHEAP ONE???

I have this delemma that I'm hoping some of you could help me with...

I was kinda foolish. I totally blew my budget on this expensive lawyer. Like what's really really sad is I probably spent somewhere in the range of about 10 times the money I would have spent on a cheap lawyer. Like it's pretty bad.

And the results that I got where about the same results that any cheap lawyer might have gotten. My challenge now is trying to decide to keep him or move on? Like he has some reporte with the judge already which is good, and they're both older (seniors ages) so they relate to each other I think. And an important part of the case is coming up soon. It's a critical stage so I don't know if it's wise to drop him at this point or not? But I'm just way way way over budget. Like it's getting a bit hair raising. I'm about 90% of the way done this ordeal though. So I suppose it's no point in changing lawyers anymore....

but what is your input on this???

I just wish I would have saved the money and gone with a cheaper one. Damn that was dumb! I just don't understand why I keep having to learn the hard way in life. Like everytime I learn the hard way. It's just stupid already.

I did the opposite. Got a cheap lawyer to begin with (divorce case) but they time I had relatives help me out with a better lawyer, my case had been so screwed up nothing could be done. I was told that all the information, including the fact that my ex had been arrested for domestic violence and DUI should have been presented earlier, so I was never able to get that information before the judge.

Truth is the court system is totally screwed up.

reply to post by spartacus699


It's bad form to repeatedly use the word 'like' before a sentence. It's 'like' you're not being sincere. Or you lack any real attachment to what it is you're saying.

As for the question, it's an easy yes or no so far. Is there any more context you can give for this question other than trying to validate your own assumption, which I have to admit, seems a forgone conclusion......

Oh, and no. Expensive lawyers tend to have much better contacts and much more sway with the higher ups.It's not what you know, it's who.

You may want to consider the difficulty and complexity of the matter under consideration. Some things like wills, amicable divorces, basic trusts, can even be handled using online help and forms.

Ask "Is anyone opposed to what I want?" "Is there a good chance of a trial or several hearings?" Am I willing to appeal if I lose the first time?" "Is it in an unusual field of law?" There are other questions as well, but this is a start. The more you answer "yes" to, the more likely you'll need a more experienced lawyer or a specialist.

It's bad form to repeatedly use the word 'like' before a sentence. It's 'like' you're not being sincere. Or you lack any real attachment to what it is you're saying.

reply to post by Joneselius


LIKE.... don't be a grammar NAZI.

Lawyers don't work for you...they work for and under the court system. At the end of the day, if you don't win a case, the lawyer gets paid. So get a lawyer that has a winning track record and you will be okay....sort of.

reply to post by spartacus699


Just like you learning lessons the hard way, young inexperienced lawyers have to learn, too, and their hard way is to llose cases that should have been won. In any event, I can tell you from having been a lawyer for 30 years, and a judge for part of that, that changing lawyers in mid-case sends a message to the judge that you are, or at the very least may be, a "difficult" client, and that will hurt your credibility in the judge's eyes, whether it's deserved or not.
So, bite the bullet and stick it out.

reply to post by spartacus699


It doesnt matter how well you plan out your finances, what measures you apply to reduce your legal costs. If you end up requiring legal counsel, and/or in court for any reason, you WILL be expected to absorb costs which seem to be EPIC when compared to your capacity to meet them.

It is symptomatic of the way law is practiced, that it needs not be just, nor affordable, as long as it is supported by statute. You could have put the entire strategic planning capacity of a major city state into reducing your costs, and you would still be running well over budget.

I would expect that a lawyer who has been around for years and has tons of experience would be better, they would know the law better and possibly know the best loop holes to get you off through all the tricks they have learned through numerous cases they have dealt with.

Or you could get a newbie who sat the bar exam last year who misses a loophole to get you off and sends you to jail.

I know who I'd rather go with, oh and also the lawyer who has the best track record.

reply to post by spartacus699


I am sure there are disparities in experience between a veteran lawyer and a rookie. The seasoned blood sucker may have a few more tricks up their sleeve than the vampire's apprentice.

The biggest difference I have found is the connection a veteran lawyer has built over the years of practicing law. Some have extensive relationship with many judges, prosecuters/D.A.s (District Attorney), and A.D.As (Assistant District Attorney) in your area.

Those connections could lead to a big advantage for you, when compared to the less experienced/less expensive lawyers.

reply to post by spartacus699

I just don't understand why I keep having to learn the hard way in life.

it's said "crazy is repeating the same action and expecting a different result"
it's said "when life gives you lemons, just make lemonade"

..it sounds like you keep trying to nourish yourself on the same kind of lemon, nyah?

Thou shalt not judge, but lawyers and judges are scum in my book. I've spent way to much money on my "freedom".

It comes down to the best 'LIAR'. Lawyers manipulate the truth.

reply to post by spartacus699


I hear you on this. I'm currently going through a legal matter for my family. We started with two lawyers which we dropped within a week because we didn't think they were acting fast enough. So they never billed us. The third lawyer was expensive, but he did act quickly and did some positive stuff for us. He had to relieve himself from our case later for reasons I won't go into.

We settled on a younger attorney who charged half of what our previous attorney did. I have noticed a difference in his lack of knowledge of some aspects of the law we are litigating in. He does take the time to look into it before giving us suggestions on the matter. For the most part, he's doing his job.

I think it really doesn't always come down to experience is better, rather than how motivated and aggressive they can be. I think it matters on a case by case basis. In your case, if you're 90% into it, than it would be detrimental to change attorneys. I know how you feel about the fees, it really can be outrageous.

It totally depends on the case before the court. For example, if it's a dui, Don't waste money on an expensive lawyer, every body generally gets the same sentence. Going through a dui class I got the same sentence as a girl who spent the better part of seventeen grand on an attorney. Same outcome same BAC. I used a public defender. Not saying they were good just saying if it's standard stuff Don't waste your money

Originally posted by nrd101
Thou shalt not judge, but lawyers and judges are scum in my book. I've spent way to much money on my "freedom".

So let's see if I've got this right. You find inumerable ways to screw up and you blame the people who keep YOUR screw-ups from irrevocably ruining your life. Did I get that right? Maybe the lesson is - quit screwing up.

reply to post by F4guy


I wish I would have been able to talk to you 3 years ago. But I think it's the type of thing where someone say for example is given a car, but they're only 12 yrs old. They end up driving way too fast, they're way to niave to understand the ramifications of speeding or wreckless driving. so they go out and they crash the car. Can you really blame them, as they were terribly under equipted an not able to handle the responsibility of the situation. That's how I feel my situation was. I was not ready for that level of stuff... anyway you get the idea...

When you hire a lawyer, you pay for their contacts much more than for their actual skill. As mentioned, changing lawyers sends a certain message. Of course, you have to weigh the benefits. Is it worth blowing the budget to win this case, or can you live with losing it? Only YOU can decide that.