DFW Criminal Defense Attorneys

[ShysterJon]

Every once in awhile, I'll post here asking if there are any criminal defense attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex who want to network. Periodically, I'll get an inquiry from a potential new client and I can't take the case, be it because I'm too busy, or I have a conflict of interest, or the case presents a subject matter that I'm either unqualified to handle or I don't want to handle.

If you're a criminal defense attorney with some history here and you're willing to reveal your identity to me for possible referrals, please PM me. I don't play games and I won't have a problem telling you who I am, if I'm comfortable doing so.

[MizzCarrera]

I am in need of a Denton County Fam. Law if there are any on the boards please shoot me a PM asap.


Xoxo
Carrera

[Fancylady]

Google

[ShysterJon]

Originally Posted by Fancylady

Google

No offense, but I think that's stupid advice. In my opinion, anyone in need of an attorney should ask family members and trusted friends for a referral. If that doesn't work, contact your local bar association.

[Guest092216]

Is Martindale.com a good resource?

[ShysterJon]

Originally Posted by THN

Is Martindale.com a good resource?

I don't think so because a lawyer's rating by Martindale-Hubbell is largely determined by how much they pay M-H. In general, the more expensive the subscription level, the higher the rating. The same with "super lawyers" and "best lawyers" lists. If I buy an ad in 'D Magazine,' for example (which I have), as if by magic I'll be on their next "super lawyer" list.

[journeytoofar]

That's not really true. I have never advertised, but still have an A rating. I have received and answered questionnaires from Martindale about attorneys, and feel it gives a good perspective of peer evaluation. I know the judges in our area also receive and answer the peer evaluation request forms.

[Unique_Carpenter]

I'm going with Jon's comments.
The concept of subject matter specialist must be considered (usually referral based).
And also possibly considered in relationship to which court.
Martindale lumps all "criminal" attys into the same pot.

[ShysterJon]

Originally Posted by journeytoofar

That's not really true. I have never advertised, but still have an A rating. I have received and answered questionnaires from Martindale about attorneys, and feel it gives a good perspective of peer evaluation. I know the judges in our area also receive and answer the peer evaluation request forms.

You misread what I wrote. I didn't write that if a lawyer who advertises with Martindale-Hubell receives a higher rating. I wrote:

"I don't think so because a lawyer's rating by Martindale-Hubbell is largely determined by how much they pay M-H. In general, the more expensive the subscription level, the higher the rating. The same with 'super lawyers' and 'best lawyers' lists. If I buy an ad in 'D Magazine,' for example (which I have), as if by magic I'll be on their next 'super lawyer' list." (Emphasis added.)

If there's something in that paragraph you still don't understand, please let me know.

If you think your M-H rating is a product of peer reviews, I have some oceanfront property in Kansas I'd like to sell you.

[beanocook]

Apparently you haven't seen this guy's commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmZiqwRnwtM

End of discussion. Close the thread.

[journeytoofar]

Lol. They do things differently out there. If I were looking to refer a family case, I would look for things like board certification and membership in the family law section of the State Bar. I also look at martindale.com because I have filled out 30-40 peer evaluation forms on attorneys from West Texas on request from martindale in my 30+ years of practice. You might also solicit information from your family's lawyer or from the local bar association.

[Unique_Carpenter]

Umm, journey,
Did you just agree with Jon on referrals? (Solicit info from family lawer...)

And just for fun, I've found that there are separate subject matter specialists within family law. Example: Only does income investigation for amended child support.

Last, for Jon:
Oceans of wheat up here.

[Stag]

Although I generally adopt the majority opinion proffered by the distinguished ShysterJon, I write separately to specially dissent on one point:

I don't think so because a lawyer's rating by Martindale-Hubbell is largely determined by how much they pay M-H. In general, the more expensive the subscription level, the higher the rating. The same with "super lawyers" and "best lawyers" lists. If I buy an ad in 'D Magazine,' for example (which I have), as if by magic I'll be on their next "super lawyer" list.

I have an AV rating (touted as the highest possible peer-review rating) from Martindale Hubbell, even though I have never subscribed to anything. Never bought the book, or let them make one of their cheesy "videos" or bought the ridiculously expensive plaque. Still, having an AV rating sure means they think I will eventually buy something to commemorate the 18th year I've maintained that ranking. Good luck with that.

On the other stuff, however, ShysterJon is entirely right. Avvo, in particular, gets under my skin. They started cold-calling me a year or two ago, telling me that I might want to "take control of my AVVO profile" -- their exact words. At the time, I had no AVVO profile. Then they put up a profile, giving me a rating that corresponded with my Martindale rating, and started calling me again. When I finally absent-mindedly answered their phone call one day, I got the chance to tell them I wasn't interested, and would they please stop calling. I double-checked my AVVO profile when I hung up, and it showed a 5-star client-review rating out of "not yet reviewed" and 10 out of 10 AVVO review. I checked again two days later, and I had a 0-star client review rating "not yet reviewed" and 4.5 out of 10 AVVO rating. Makes you wonder whether their rating was based on whether I was willing to pay their fee to "take control of [my] profile."

"Super-pages" and "Best Lawyers" lists all cost big dollars to get listed. And that appears to be the only criterion. (One of those lists a couple of years ago - I can't remember which one = was published featuring a lawyer I knew, shortly after she was suspended from practice for six months by the State Bar. She later quit the practice altogether, to avoid disbarment. How's that for credibility.)

Because of the way Google works, the responses you'll get will be heavily reliant on AVVO and "Super-Lawyer" lists, not driven by real data. Don't trust it.

Having said that, I'm a business lawyer, and I don't really have anyone right now that I trust as a referral for my clients who run afoul of law enforcement. So, if you have a few names for me, I'd love to get a pm from you, colleague.

Respectfully submitted,
Stag, Esq.

[ShysterJon]

First, since I started this thread around two and a half years ago as a means to network with other lawyers, I'll give an update about my practice.

I'm located in Dallas, Texas, and I primarily practice in Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Ellis, and Hood, Texas counties, although I do some traveling within Texas and out-of-state. I've been practicing law for app. 33 years. Right now, my practice is split one-third each criminal, corporate work for IT firms, and general civil litigation (including family law). I'm the type of lawyer who's in court nearly every day.

If you're a lawyer, a well-established Eccie member, you're okay with revealing your RW identity (as I will), and you want to network, feel free to email me at ShysterJon@gmail.com.

Regarding the discussion in this thread about rating services, specialty certifications, practice groups, and various other ways lawyers can waste time and money: Practicing law is a VERY conservative profession. Joining Bar sections, attending CLE, getting certifications, filling out peer review questionnaires -- these are all VERY traditional ways to advertise within the profession and to gain knowledge of the law. When I was a young lawyer, I did these things. But now I have no time for it. I'm too busy practicing law and enjoying the fruits of my past labors. Nearly all my business is repeat or referral, so I don't need to schmooze for business.

Please don't misunderstand me: Practicing law conservatively and traditionally is fine for some. But as I've gained more experience, I've come to realize how stupid and wasteful the for-profit apparatus is surrounding the legal profession.

To me, peer reviews, for example, aren't an accurate gauge of a lawyer's ability. Nice guys and gals who go along to get along in the conservative legal profession get high peer ratings but may be shitty lawyers who don't know how to be effective in the courtroom and who sell out their clients to avoid causing trouble. People rely on these ratings not knowing that 90% of lawyers hardly ever set foot in a courtroom. Mr. Book Lawyer gets his fee from the naïve client and M-H makes its pot of gold, but the client is disserved. That's why I think the best way to find a good lawyer is to talk to someone who had a good lawyer, not rely on a person or company with an agenda.

In case you're wondering, my views don't come from sour grapes. I'm AV-rated. But the respect I have built within the legal profession doesn't come from speaking at CLE, writing articles, or buying high ratings -- it comes from kicking the ass of AV-rated book lawyers in court and making my clients happy.

[ShysterJon]

Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Last, for Jon:
Oceans of wheat up here.

Wheat's that? I can barley understand you. Corn you explain?