What kind of law do you specialize in?

The state bar association does not allow, with a couple of narrow exceptions, for most attorneys to claim that they "specialize" in a particular area of law.  However, attorneys can generally describe what kinds of law they practice, or in what areas.  We currently provide public defense services for adult cases in San Juan County and are the primary public defender for all cases in Island County.

How long have you been doing this kind of work?

The information for attorneys regarding when they graduated from various schools can be found on the link "Our Attorneys".  Each of the attorneys of this office bring a significant amount of experience to the table.

When I call I get a voicemail.  Why do you use that, and is it OK to leave messages?

We keep regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  However, there may be times when people leave for lunch, court, or other obligations which require us to leave the phones on voicemail.  We also have the office phones set for voicemail after hours.  This helps people make contact with attorneys during times when a live person is unable to answer the phone.  The office voicemail boxes are password protected.  While it is generally better to just leave a messsage including your name, number and the purpose for which you are calling, the voicemail boxes are secured.

Can you refer me to other attorneys for cases you don't handle?

Yes, to a point.  We can give you names and contact information for attorneys who may handle particular kinds of cases that we do not handle.  However, we cannot make any recommendations as to who is the best in a given area.  Our appellate courts have decided that a person who makes a referral under certain circumstances can be liable for the malpractice or errors of another attorney based upon the referral.  Because of that, the best we can do is provide names and contact information.  In many cases, we may simply be unable to assist you and will have to recommend you seek legal help elsewhere.

I'd like to do most of the work myself and just have you prepare documents for me to take into court.  Will you do that?

At the present time, we do not offer such services.

I have a case pending for trial, and an offer to settle the case short of trial.  Are you going to force me to settle the case instead of going to trial?

Absolutely not.  The decision whether to proceed to trial is always the client's decision.  We will give you the best advice and information we can based on our experience and reading of the case, but ultimately the client must decide whether to settle a case or go to trial.

Do you think my case can be won at trial?

No attorney can predict with 100% accuracy whether a trial can be won or not.  Every case is different, and every jury is different.  If we always knew how the trial would turn out, no one would ever try cases.

What do your attorneys do to stay current on changes in the law?

The law changes frequently.  New cases are decided, new laws are passed.  It's a very dynamic field.  All attorneys in Washington are required to get continuing legal education, and we stay current on our continuing education obligations.  Additionally, at a minimum, all attorneys in the office belong to an organization that works to assist attorneys in handling the kinds of cases the attorneys in this office handle.

Do you take any private cases in San Juan County?

Not at the present time.  This may change in the future.

Are these questions really frequently asked?

Yes.  Except that one.