James Novak, Attorney Rated 10.0 “Superb” on AVVO

Consumer tips on how to maximize your experience using attorney rating sites

It is a pleasure to announce that James E. Novak, of Law Office of James E. Novak, PLLC, has been awarded AVVO’s highest rating of “10” which recognizes an Attorney as being “Superb” in their respective practice area.

AVVO Rating System

AVVO is considered one of the nation’s leading on-line rating and review sites for Attorneys by the legal industry. Approximately 97% of all lawyers on AVVO.

AVVO’s Attorney ratings are calculated by a mathematical algorithm based on a model that considers material and valid information Attorney’s profile which takes into consideration the following factors:

• Experience;

• Client reviews and ratings;

• Attorney peer reviews and endorsements;

• Ethics and standing with the State Bar;

• Education and training;

• Legal Industry Recognition;

• Case Results;

• Professional achievements;

• Continuing legal education;

• Law Publications

The rating model considers a balance of all the categories, rather than just a single aspect or few areas when calculating the lawyer’s ratings. The AVVO score is different than many industry awards. This is because the ratings or membership cannot be purchased, and therefore the rating and reviews are considered earned, unbiased, and without favoritism.

The weighted formula used to calculate the AVVO rating for the Attorney is heavily guarded, to prevent manipulation or gaming of the system.

Tips to help you maximize your experience using an attorney rating & review website

The purpose of the AVVO rating system to provide an additional resource to help those looking for an attorney to make the best decision on who to retain for their legal matter.

•The Lawyer’s Rating : A lawyer’s AVVO rating is designed to be a “snap shot” similar to a resume. These sites should direct you to attorneys that handle legal matters in geographic and practice areas of law for which you are in need of representation. They are a good place to start in terms of a place to start in your search, and selection process.

•Due Diligence in Selection:: When you are considering which attorney to hire for your legal matter, it is important that you consider more than just one source of information. Selecting an attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make in your legal matter. There is no substitute for due diligence.

•Contact from Rating Websites: Some directories, and review & rating websites sites offer multiple options for contacting an attorney. This may include E-mail, text, telephone, links to the website, or other electronic means to contact the attorney. If you do not receive a timely response from an electronic communication, it does not necessarily mean that attorney is not responsive or accessible. It may be effective to try another optional method of contact provided on the attorney’s website. If you still have not received a call back or electronic response, it may be best to select a different attorney, who can respond to your contact more expediently.

•Consultation with the Attorney: It is imperative that you meet or speak with the actual attorney for which you are considering to hire. The best way to do this is to contact them by phone or meet with them in person by appointment, to discuss your matter personally. In general the attorney will use their own discretion as to whether or not the consultation should take place in the office of by phone. Many attorneys provide free consultations, but not all attorneys in all practice areas provide free consultations.  So be sure you know in advance whether not your consultation is free, or if there will be a charge for consulting the attorney in your matter.

•Consultation Expectations: The purpose of the consultation as it pertains to DUI and criminal defense is reciprocal in nature. It is an opportunity for you to meet the attorney, gain additional understanding about your charges and penalties for which you are exposed, defense options, and to help you in your decision to hire an attorney. It also helps the attorney gain an understanding about your circumstances as well. The attorney will ask you questions in an effort to determine if your case is one that they will handle based on the nature of the charges, jurisdiction or court in which you are required to appear, case stage the matter is currently in, and whether or not they feel you will benefit from their Law Firm services and representation.

•Questions and Answers: During your consultation be sure to ask questions. Questions you will want answers to include issues such as who will be handling your case from start to finish? What are the costs and fees? What services will be provided for those costs and fees? What is the time-line for which payment is due, and case conclusion? What will be expected of you in the process? What are the case stages? When will you need to appear in court?

•Attorney/Client Communications: To avoid misunderstandings in communication, be sure that you and your prospective attorney discuss your preferred methods and time of contacts with each other, how often you can expect updates on your case; and who will be providing you with those updates. Opened lines of communication between you and your and your attorney are imperative, and increase the chance of getting a good outcome in your case.

[pullquote]”Selecting an attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make in your legal matter. There is no substitute for due diligence in your selection, and a consultation with the attorney”[/pullquote]

•Case Result Expectations: Your expectations should be reasonable, and realistic in your case. The Attorney’s case results history and ratings are not intended to be a guarantee of the future outcome of any case. Each case holds its own unique set of circumstances and will be decided on their own merits. No attorney can predict or should guarantee an outcome in your case. The prosecution, evidence, trials, and jury verdicts often hold uncertainties and unexpected results. So if an attorney makes a guarantee that they can get your charges dismissed during your initial consultation, then you are being done a disservice.