Q: What do you think sets you apart from other lawyers?
A: I am a lifelong resident of this community, and I believe that gives me an understanding of the people here and what their needs are. I am active in many professional and civic organizations and try to be a part of this community in every sense of the word. Many lawyers who market themselves as "personal injury lawyers" have multiple offices in different cities and cannot possibly take active roles in their community; they work on volume and are not necessarily committed to the area. I am committed to the people I serve because they are my neighbors; I see them at church, shopping around town, or on the athletic fields with their families. This, I think, sets me apart from many lawyers.
Q: How do you keep clients informed about their cases?
A: First, our highly trained staff is prepared to answer many routine questions and record information given by clients. Then, I make sure someone knowledgeable about the case answers all phone messages in a timely fashion. Legal assistants are assigned to each case so that clients can call them specifically for more routine matters. Then, all of our clients receive copies of correspondence and court filings so that they can see the work that is generated by this office. At the end of a case, a client will have a file almost as large as my own.
Q: Are you familiar with the practice used by some attorneys of sending direct mailings to people injured in a car accident within days of the accident? If so, what do you think about that?
A: I have heard of some lawyers using this approach to solicit clients. In fact, some of my clients have had that experience. They have received direct mailings from other attorneys shortly after their accident, even while they were in the hospital, because their name was in the paper. Under the ethical rules for lawyer advertising, this practice is allowed as long as the word “Advertisement” is clearly marked on the envelope and on the correspondence. My feeling on the matter is this: the best way to choose a lawyer is to be referred by someone you know and trust. Do not rely solely on the glossy brochure you received immediately following your accident. Keep in mind that insurance companies may try to make contact with an accident victim right away, and so it is important to obtain counsel early to handle the inevitable questions that arise. The point is to choose a lawyer carefully and not be misled by fancy advertising. You would not choose a doctor just because you saw him on TV or got a brochure. Ask someone you trust, such as a friend, relative, or a family member who they recommend.
Q: With respect to personal injury cases, what are some other considerations that people should be aware of?
A: Clients should feel free to ask a lot of questions, such as whether the attorney has handled their type of case before. Does the attorney have trial experience in court in case the matter does not settle out of court? What is the manner in which a client is kept informed on the status of the case? Does a client get copies of letters and pleadings and whatever else concerns them?
Q: How important is trial experience with respect to personal injury cases?
A: I think it is very important. The lawyer should be able to handle the case from start to finish. Some “personal injury” law firms work on volume and rely on settling cases. If the case does not settle, they may refer the case out to another attorney who is experienced in trial work, which can cause further delay until the trial attorney gets up to speed. Fortunately, I have had the trial experience to take the cases to trial, if necessary.
Q: You are an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, a former member of the Board of Bar Overseers, a committee member of the regional Judicial Nominating Council, and a mediator at the Fall River District Court. Why do you donate so much of your time to these legal organizations? Do clients realize what you do for the profession?
A: I have always tried to be involved in ways to improve the legal profession because it helps me become a better lawyer. I stay current on the law, recent developments, and ideas for a more efficient law practice by remaining involved. I am also interested in the selection process for judges so we get the best possible people appointed. I cannot say whether clients appreciate the pro bono work I do since I am not sure most are even aware of my involvement, but I am certain the clients benefit from my experience and the high standards I set as a result of it.
