By:  E. Audrey Glover-Dichter
Attorney at Law
Copyright 2010

My name is E. Audrey Glover-Dichter, and I am a solo practitioner.  Clients have a lot of options for legal representation.  There are firms of all sizes from solos like me, small firms with a few attorneys to the biggest firms in the country, even the world, with hundreds of attorneys at the clients’ disposal.  So, how does a client choose an attorney?  Well, the following are my suggestions for what to look for when you need an attorney.

The first and most important factor is whether the attorney accessible.  The size of the firm does not matter.  If you, the client, cannot reach the attorney you intend to hire, how will you reach the attorney after you hire him/her.  When you are shopping for an attorney, ask to speak to the attorney him/herself.  Personally, I am always happy to speak with all my clients, especially potential new clients.  My staff is trained to take detailed messages giving me the information I need to return phone calls personally, promptly and with the correct information the clients need. Thus, I  make myself more responsive and accessible to my clients by returning phone call within 48 business hours in English, Spanish or French, unless I am out of town.

Another important point to consider is who will be handling your case.  Every firm works differently, and has policies in place to hopefully meet all of their deadlines in a smooth fashion.  However, due to size and volume, or just out of convenience, many firms have most, if not all the legal work prepared by non-attorneys such as legal assistants, paralegals, secretaries, law clerks, etc.  That may work for some, but it does not work for me.  I actually like preparing the cases myself.  Doing the work myself gives me the opportunity to analyze all current and potential issues of the case, and be prepared throughout the case.  Yes, I have staff that helps me prepare the cases, but their involvement is minimal and it does not include doing the legal work. Also, by doing the work myself, I have the opportunity to work closely with my clients.  I cannot do the work alone, I need the clients’ help. Clients are the most important part of the case.  So, when you hire an attorney, ask who will be handling your file, and who will be actually doing the legal work in your case.  At Glover Dichter, PL, I handle the each case individually and personally.

Given that I have clients all over the world, e-mails are imperative.  E-mails are one of the best and inexpensive ways of being in constant contact with my clients.  My staff actually encourages my clients to contact me via e-mail when they call to give them the opportunity to contact me directly  with specific questions to which I can reply promptly.  Like most professionals, I walk around with my Blackberry.  So regardless where I am, I usually have access to e-mail, making me accessible to my clients. Because e-mails are so important, I reply to them within 48 business hours.

It is imperative that each case be prepared correctly.  Thus, my clients are integral part of their respective cases.  I work very closely with my clients constantly exchanging information during the preparation of the case.  When I think the case may be ready, I ask my clients to review the information provided in draft form for accuracy.  I welcome corrections and consider comments from my clients in order to improve the case.  Once my clients and I agree that the information provided in the paperwork is correct and cannot be further improved, then the case is finalized and filed.

So, what do you get when you choose Glover Dichter, PL as your immigration attorney?  You get my level service and promise that phone calls and e-mails will be returned within 48 business hours in English, Spanish or French, unless I am out of town.  You, the client, also get to work directly and closely with me on your case to help me put the case together properly. My clients review the paperwork before filing. Finally, my clients are treated with the utmost respect, caring and professionalism.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 954-450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.