How do I evaluate my lawyer, Steve McKinley? Let me count the ways:
Steve is an excellent communicator. In speaking, as in court, Steve is authoritative, assertive, polished and confident. In writing, in legal documents, Steve is an excellent wordsmith. I can't define what makes a good writer, but I know it when I see it. Steve's writing skills make boring legal docs come to life.
A good lawyer takes care of the details and deadlines-lets me sleep at night free of worry.
A good lawyer is emotionally invested in my case.
A good lawyer truly has my back.
A good lawyer is like the team captain.
Steve is all of these things and that's a comforting feeling.
What about the question of big firm vs. small firm? Freeland McKinley & McKinley is a small firm. However, you never feel isolated from the legal mainstream. Steve is very active professionally; always interacting with other lawyers. He has partners to bounce ideas off. And, of course, in this case, having a wife, Karen, as a partner is a real advantage. And then add an excellent paralegal, Melody, to the mix and you have a well-oiled machine.
So, you can tell that my wife and I are happy clients. It's difficult to try to appear not too biased when that's exactly what we are. We like our lawyer!