Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Do Your Research and Take Your Time When Served With A Summons And Complaint/Statement of Claim

When a person is served with a summons and complaint, in most instances, the response filing deadline is 20-30 days (depending on the court). One exception to this rule is a dispossessory action. In Georgia, the response time for dispossessories is seven days. As a result you have to act quickly to protect your rights.

Nevertheless, if you have a 20-30 day response time from the date of service, you have time to call around to find an attorney who suits your budget and time constraints. If you're served on Monday, take 3-5 days to consult with several lawyers. Find out their theories of your case. 7-10 days after service, make your decision.

There is no rational reason to receive service of process on Monday and retain an attorney within 24-48 hours of service. I find it amazing that in many cases, people spend more time researching a $500 television or phone than they do researching an attorney that costs much more than those electronic devices. Indeed, depending on the case, the television or phone may malfunction before your case comes to judgment or settlement.

Suggestions

(1) Talk to 3-5 attorneys by phone (not their legal assistants or paralegals).
(2) Visit your top 1 -3 choices.
(3) Take all proposed contracts home to read and compare. Some provisions can be negotiated.
(4) Make your selection after full contemplation.

Monday, April 11, 2016

New Office - Stone Mountain, Georgia

The McGill Law Firm has added an office in Dekalb County.

The office is located in Stone Mountain, GA

925 Main Street
Suite 300-36
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Office hours at this location are Mon. - Fri. (11:00am - 3:00pm)
Extended hours are available at the firm's Roswell and Norcross locations.

All appointments can be made at the firm's main number - (678)-353-3217

Too Many Attorneys on One Case is a Warning Sign Most Attorneys Cannot Ignore

When searching for an attorney, take your time selecting counsel. Make sure your attorney is right for your temperment, time requirements, and budget. Also, pay attention to criticisms others make about you and your case.

Once you select counsel, be mindful of warnings she gives about withdrawing from the case if (1) payments aren't made; (2) unnecessary and frequent calls don't cease; (3) disruptive behavior doesn't stop; or (4) required documents and other information aren't produced. Keep a good attorney rather than running him off. Indeed, when a potential client discloses he has gone through several attorneys through dismissals or withdrawals, red flags pop up. Many lawyers won't touch the case because it's a sign of trouble. In those instances, it is irrelevant how much money the case is worth.

After several years, I have joined the majority of my fellow attorney in heeding these red flags. As a result, effective April 1, 2016, if a person has already had an attorney on a matter, the potential client must sign a waiver to allow me to discuss the matter with former counsel. The waiver will notify counsel (s)he is permitted to speak fully and honestly with the firm. If the potential client had legitimate reasons for dismissing the first, second, or third counsel, there should be no hesitation to sign the waiver and pay for counsel's time.