Lincoln Derr's Message To Prospective Clients

When I meet with a prospective client, one of the first questions I ask is, "Have you talked to any other lawyers yet?"

If the answer is no, I (kindly) advise them to do just that — to identify three other attorneys and interview them. I'll even give them referrals.

I'm not looking to turn away business, nor am I shying away from helping someone in need. I simply understand that you don't just need "an attorney" for your legal matters; you need the right attorney for you. The only way to find that is by weighing your options.

The relationship between client and attorney is an intimate one. It requires commitment and time, vulnerability and trust. It requires chemistry to be successful. And you don't know if there is a "fit" unless you survey the competitive landscape.