Client
Highly recommend Michael Wallace at this firm. As a Law School graduate, I accompanied a friend that was charged with a crime to make sure his representation was going to be done by a zealous advocate for him and that all possible defenses had been identified and considered. Michael clearly explained my friends options and possible defenses and offered him copies of the applicable Statutes relating to his charge. There are many Attorney's that do the bare minimum for their clients, so I recommend that whomever you choose to represent you that you do the below list I provided and if you do not feel 100% confident that you are going to be represented zealously and the Attorney has not researched your case thoroughly and made a request for discovery of all documents and statements from your opposing Attorney that you immediately leave and find one that has done all I explained above. In a criminal case, the prosecutor also has a duty to provide your attorney with any exculpatory evidence that would tend to show your innocence. Here is what you want to ensure your potential Attorney has done or is going to do for you in a criminal or civil case: 1. Appears to you that he is willing and able to zealously represent you and not just do the minimum to get your case completed and move on to his next. 2. Knows the facts of your case. 3. Knows the elements of your crime and what is needed to be done to win your case, be it civil or criminal. 4. Files appropriate Motions and Discovery requests. 5. Has interviewed any potential witnesses or persons related to your case that could potentially help you. 6. Files all appropriate documents needed in your case. 7. Discusses your case with the opposing Attorney to see if an amicable resolution can be worked out without the need for a bench or jury trial. 8. He has appeared in many bench and jury trials and is not apprehensive to do either. 9. He is attentive and listens to you. Also, addresses any questions or concerns you may have. You do not want to feel like your being rushed out the door. 10. He thoroughly explains what is needed to win your case and everything that is going to be needed to be done in your case. 11. He explains the process that your case will go through, such as first appearances, status conferences, depositions, filings needed to be made, and what each of these mean and what happens during them. 12. Explains thoroughly the potential actions you are able to make in your case and their potential outcomes. 13. Tells you in his opinion what he believes what is/are the best moves and strategies to pursue in your case based on his experience and research. Ask for prior caselaw that supports the decisions you decide to make regarding your case that supports those decisions. 14. Remember, the Attorney has the access, knowledge and ability to advise you on what he believes are the best steps to take to provide you with the best outcome possible for you. Listen and ensure you completely understand what is being done and why. 15. The decisions to be made are YOURS to make and you will need to live with them. So, I highly advise you to read all documents, read up on the laws governing your case and be an active knowledgeable client during your entire case. Do not just sit back and do nothing during the process. At the end you do not want to have an outcome that you think the Attorney didnt do his job, or the Judge or Jury was biased in some way if you do not prevail. On the other hand, you want to know why the outcome unfolded as it did for better or worse. 16. Lastly, if you think your Attorney and/or his support staff is not doing their job, remember that they work for you. You have the right to fire your Attorney at any time and find another if you feel he is not doing his job. If during the process of your case you begin to feel that way, please discuss this with your Attorney first and if your not satisfied with his reasoning, only then take any action. 17. You have the right to report any wrongdoing you feel may have or had occurred by your Attorney to the KS State Bar.