Sexual harassment cases are some of the most challenging because of the severity of the issue and the emotions involved. If you or a loved one has been abused, you could pursue the person responsible and gain compensation for your emotional and physical pain. But to receive what you’re entitled to and to make sure the perpetrator gets punished for their actions, you’ll need a great sexual harassment attorney local to Jackson County, Missouri.
Your lawyer should be well qualified and have worked in your state for several years, so they are aware of all the laws and regulations. What’s more, they need to be familiar with sexual harassment cases. That’s why someone with a lot of experience is usually best. When you meet with your attorney, you can discover more about their communication style and whether they are a good fit for your individual situation.
Choosing the Best Sexual Harassment Attorney
A lot goes into choosing the best lawyer for your situation. The stakes are high, so you shouldn’t be content with anyone but the most skilled and experienced person for the job. Aside from the training and qualifications, you’ll need to consider whether the professional in question has local experience, regularly works with cases like yours, and is good at communicating with you.
That way, you’ll be sure to get an accurate and timely response to any questions you have, and you’ll feel secure knowing that you’re getting the best outcome possible for your situation. Let’s have a closer look at some of the criteria you might use to evaluate attorneys.
Look at Their Qualifications
The first thing you need to do is read through the biographies you can find on the law firm’s website. Do the lawyers have a solid education that has prepared them adequately for practicing law to a high standard? Schools such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law are highly reputable, and you can therefore assume that an attorney who graduated from there will have the required knowledge and expertise to serve you well.
Another key aspect to look for is whether the person is still keeping up to date with the legal community and involved in continuing education. You can find this out by reading through their professional associations and memberships. Someone who is part of several organizations, such as the Missouri Bar Association or the Association for Women Lawyers, will most likely be very involved in staying current and learning more.
Check that They Are Local to Jackson County, Missouri
It’s not necessary that your lawyer has grown up in Missouri, but they should have lived there for long enough to pick up all the legal knowledge they need to help you fight for your rights. The law in our state is slightly different to everywhere else, so your attorney will be able to help you best if they have been immersed in it for a long time.
Additionally, being local also means having important professional contacts, such as medical experts who can help prove your injuries, which can further strengthen your case. To guarantee this, you should go with a local firm that has been operating in the area for a long time. Such an organization is sure to employ only people who have already worked in Missouri for a while and who will be highly competent when fighting for clients’ rights.
Check Their Previous Cases
On a reputable law firm’s website, you will also find a “Results” page, where you can see the previous cases the attorneys have won. Read through them to see whether any are similar to what you’re experiencing and whether you like the results the clients have received. If you’re in doubt or you would like more information, you can also get in touch with the law firm and ask them directly about their work and whether they believe your situation is similar.
Find Out About Their Communication Style
For a lawyer, written and oral communication is one of the most important skills. Not only do they need to answer all their clients’ questions and work with them to develop a case, but they must also convince others to testify, lay out the case in a positive light, and communicate with the judge and jury. That’s why you should always find out whether an attorney you’re considering has excellent communication skills.
You can start evaluating this when you have your first consultation. Does the firm get back to you right away, and is everyone there friendly when they speak to you? If there is an issue or your appointment has to be moved, how is this communicated? Then, once you’re in the meeting with your attorney, check that they speak to you in a kind and compassionate manner and that they can explain everything to you in simple terms you understand.
Consider Your Individual Needs
Everyone’s case is different, and you might have some additional needs your lawyer has to meet. For example, some people suffer from mental or physical health conditions as a result of the incident and are therefore not able to go to the law firm. Check that the attorney you’ve chosen is willing to accommodate your situation and help you regardless.
Another common issue is that English isn’t your first language. If you grew up speaking Spanish, you might feel more confident with a Jackson County, Missouri sexual harassment attorney who speaks both languages. That way, they can more easily communicate with your family and friends, and you can express yourself in the language that feels the most comfortable to you.
Discover Whether They Are a Good Personal Fit
Sexual harassment cases can be extremely emotionally taxing, so you’ll need to work with someone who will handle the situation in a tactful way. This means different things to different people, and the only way you can find out whether you feel comfortable with a given attorney is to book a consultation and speak to them directly. Remember that you’ll be working with them for many months and discussing a very intimate topic.
For this reason, you need to feel confident that you can tell them anything and that they will remain professional, no matter what. If you meet with an attorney and believe that they aren’t the best fit, you can always speak to the law firm and request a meeting with someone else. The advantage of having several lawyers available is that you can work with the person who will provide you with the best service possible.
Get the Help You Need
To make sure the perpetrator gets punished for their actions and you receive the compensation you need to restart your life, you should hire the best sexual harassment attorney you can. Everybody will have different needs, which is why a good firm will employ several professionals. You can find out more on the website. Have a look at the biographies to see what the attorneys’ backgrounds are and how they have built up their knowledge.
At your initial consultation, you can find out who has the most experience with your type of case and would be the best fit for your needs. Get in touch with us now at Holman Schiavone to book your first meeting with one of our top lawyers. We will welcome you to the firm and discuss your situation with you, then let you know how to proceed.
