west law subscription or access, anybody??
 

Hello, I am trying to cross reference and screen a lawyer that is needed for a particular problem.

The only information source is the California BAR association.

Yes, locale is California.

I'd like to find a list of cases which this lawyer has been involved with in order to be more certain that he has the specific experience and also know the outcomes. Also to cross reference his Curriculum Vitae.

Any lawyers or law students out there who would not mind running his name for some cross references?

My local University that also has a law school used to allow access to West Law, but no more.

PM me if you can help.

Thank you.:)

You looked at the Martindale Hubbell ratings yet?

Thanks JimB., yes I did come across that a few days ago but it offered scant information on him. He does appear and gets a 4.4 out of 5 points, but ideally I would like to cross reference actual cases that he has worked on.

I think West Law is the database for that.

Thanks again, Martindale Hubbell is a good starting point.

Court clerks can be the most helpful people in some situations.

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was actively engaged in the practice of law, WestLaw is only going to have references to him if he was the primary lawyer in a case that was officially reported for publication. Most cases are not reported (meaning they don't show up in the Reporter publications).

Have you inquired of the state bar as to any disciplinary actions? Many of those are public record.

And as Twitch notes, going down to the clerk's office may prove useful. Cases are public record unless the judge orders otherwise, and most systems are electronic now, so you can just search his name and it should pull up cases where he has made an official appearance.

Good luck.

here come da judge
 

Great advice !

Yes, the BAR shows no disciplinary issues.

The court clerk sounds like a possible idea.

I'll try it out.:)

Prospective client to candidate lawyer:
Why should I hire you and can you prove it?

yeah also the basics after the lawyer has reviewed and read the case: "what are the strong points and weak points"....

if that's a stumper, then walk !!!:)

Ask him for relevant cases. Court records (or at least abstracts) are generally a matter of public record, often available for free online.

The lawyers own staff can help sometimes too. "I might need some help with something. Is he available or does he just work for xxx?" Etc.

'does he work for beer and pizza !!!'