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Ms. Frederick is not accepting any new criminal cases at this time. In the Bellingham area please call Jonathan Rands, JD at: Fox Bowman Duarte (360) 671-4384 In the greater Seattle area please call Fox Bowman Duarte at (425) 451-1995.
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The Lawyer-Client Relationship
What should I look for in a lawyer?
Among other things, be concerned about:
The lawyer's reputation in the community.
The lawyer's experience with your type of legal problem. (Don't hesitate to ask about this on your first visit.)
The lawyer's communication skills, shown by a willingness and ability to talk to you in language you can understand and to keep you informed about the progress of your case, responsiveness to your questions and concerns. Let your lawyer know, on the first visit, that these qualities are important to you.
The fees that will be charged.
What should I expect when I hire a lawyer?
You are hiring a lawyer to work for you, as your advocate. You should expect your lawyer to:
Confer with you to pinpoint the problem.
Research and analyze all available facts and information relating to your problem.
Interview those involved.
Prepare legal arguments for presentation in court, if litigation becomes necessary.
Negotiate a settlement if both sides can reach a fair agreement.
Keep you informed about what is going on in your case and answer your questions.
Discuss fees with you at your first visit, and come to an agreement about the way in which fees will be paid.
Be candid with you about your problem, your prospects for success, the time it will take, and the advisability of accepting any settlement offered.
Keep in confidence anything you say.
Prepare all necessary legal documents.
What will my lawyer expect from me?
Upon being retained as your legal counsel, your lawyer will expect that you will:
Be completely honest about all facts concerning your case, whether favorable to you or not.
Be on time for appointments and not take up an excessive amount of time with visits or phone calls relating to minor details or petty matters.
Take your lawyer's advice.
Understand that no lawyer can guarantee results in a contested matter.
Be patient and understanding that legal matters are rarely "open and shut" cases; they require time and research.
Call for appointments rather than just dropping in without warning.
Pay a reasonable fee for the work performed.
Here is a link to great article on selecting an attorney:
Hiring A Lawyer.
You should feel comfortable with your attorney, the attorney should be accessible, and you should feel that the attorney is helpful.
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Deborah Ann Frederick, J.D. University of Washington, B.A., Yearly Honors
Cambridge University, England, Summer classes Seattle University School of Law, J.D. Honor Fraternity - Business Focus
- Advocacy Focus
- Tax Classes
- Placed third twice in the ABA school-wide negotiation competition
Member, Washington State Bar Association Member, American Bar Association Former Deputy Public Defender, Whatcom County Former Legal Assistant, King County Prosecutor's Office Ms. Deborah Ann Frederick, J.D.
Call (360) 961-0774
FrederickLawFirm@msn.com
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