A woman living in a small town in Colombia has an aunt with a narcotics case in New York. Her aunt is going to be extradited. What does she need? A lawyer. But what qualifications should she look for in a lawyer before hiring one? Experience in drug cases and experience practicing in the court where the case is located. Sounds simple, but rarely does it work that way.
The unfamiliar novice just seeks a referral from a friend and retains that lawyer if he or she “feels” the lawyer can do a good job. “Feelings” are a good indicator, but it is essential to first ensure that a lawyer has the two most important qualifications: 1) that he or she has experience with your type of case, and 2) that he or she has experience in the court where your case is being heard.
Here is another mistake: The niece finds a lawyer with the two qualifications, but whom she cannot afford. Instead of asking the lawyer for the “next best thing,” she leaves and starts the process all over again.
Because the lawyer will certainly be familiar with other lawyers who practice drug law in that court, he or she should be able to refer her to another attorney. There is no obligation on the niece’s part to choose that lawyer, but since she liked the first lawyer and believed in his sincerity, chances are his referral would be the “next best thing.” Do not give up this valuable resource.