How to Choose an Attorney
Practical considerations for selecting qualified legal counsel in cases involving false allegations, child protection investigations, family law, and criminal defense.
Before You Choose Your Attorney
After working with numerous attorneys over decades of personal and professional experience, Dean Tong offers practical guidance for evaluating legal representation in high-conflict and false allegation cases.
Before relying on referrals, advertisements, or online rankings, understand that attorneys vary significantly in their litigation experience, subject matter knowledge, and trial capabilities.
Legal counsel should be evaluated based on demonstrated experience, qualifications, and their ability to work collaboratively with forensic and mental health experts.
Important Considerations
- Attorneys rarely provide CVs or detailed professional resumes before retention.
- Client references may be restricted by confidentiality obligations.
- Experience in false allegation cases should be independently verified.
- Attorneys are legal experts but may not be experts in psychology or forensic interviewing.
- Trial consultants and forensic experts can provide specialized knowledge beyond legal strategy.
- Three-way consultations between clients, attorneys, and consultants can be beneficial.
A Child Abuse Allegation During a Custody Dispute
A child's statement triggers mandatory reporting, a forensic interview, and potential investigations by law enforcement and child protective services.
Multiple legal proceedings may occur simultaneously, including family court, criminal investigations, juvenile dependency proceedings, and administrative actions.
Evaluate an Attorney Using These Questions
- Is the attorney a trial lawyer or primarily a mediator?
- Do they have at least 10 years of relevant litigation experience?
- Have they cross-examined expert witnesses successfully?
- Are they board certified in the relevant practice area?
- Do they have professional peer-review ratings?
- Have they published scholarly work or legal articles?
- Do they belong to relevant legal organizations?
- Can they provide examples of appellate successes?
- Have they completed continuing education in false allegation cases?
- Can they practice pro hac vice if necessary?
- Do they understand child suggestibility and memory issues?
- Have they worked with trial consultants or forensic experts?
Need Help Evaluating Your Case?
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