Rarely does a person retain a lawyer because they want to. This choice is usually forced when a person faces a frightening and unhappy situation. The legal system, both criminal and civil is complex and no place for the untrained. Without exception everyone would benefit from the services of a lawyer in navigating our legal system.

The choice of lawyer is equally complex and quite important. These are things you should consider in making this choice:

1. Spend some time investigating the background and experience of any lawyer you are considering, BEFORE you meet with the lawyer.
2. Always check the State Bar of Arizona’s web site [http://www.azbar.org/] On that web site you can check to see:
   • If the lawyer is currently licensed in Arizona.
   • If the lawyer previously been disciplined by the Bar.
   • If the lawyer is a certified specialist in the area of law you need representation.
3. If you know any lawyers ask them for recommendations. Members of the profession usually know who will provide the best representation and if not will probably be able to obtain recommendations from reliable lawyers.
   
4. Look for lawyers and law firms that are AV rated by Martindale-Hubble. This longstanding legal rating service rates lawyers throughout the United States. The AV rating is the top rating for competence, experience and ethics.
5. Look for lawyers that have extensive trial experience if you are seeking help in a criminal, civil, or family law matter. Lawyers who know their way around a courtroom will be able to better advise you how your case may turnout if tried and because they are comfortable doing trials will not be reluctant to take a case to trial if settlement is not possible.
6. Meet with each lawyer you are considering. Pick a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and who you trust. The only purpose in retaining a lawyer is for their advice and experience on how to best litigate your case. If you do not trust the lawyer and therefore will not follow his advice, then you should retain one whose advice you will trust. Otherwise you are wasting your money.
7. Finally make sure you fully understand all fees and extra costs and that you have a written agreement with the lawyer. The State Bar of Arizona requires such an agreement.

So what does this have to do with retaining Ellinwood, Francis and Plowman? At our law firm you will find lawyers that will personally handle your case and establish a one on one relationship. You will never be shuffled off to some subordinate lawyer or staff member. Each of us has extensive trial experience. We are in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. But most off all you can be assured that we will competently provide the professional advice and services you need in a welcoming atmosphere.

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