One of the most valuable elements in successful prosecution of the case and in a good attorney-client relationship is actually liking the lawyer who represents you and knowing that your lawyer likes you. 

Although this might sound like an obvious point, many of the attorney-client relationships are permeated with negativity and lack of mutual respect. The attorney might think of his client as a psycho or a liar, wishing to settle his case as soon as possible without providing quality legal representation, while the client might think of his attorney as an arrogant, pompous person, who only cares about making as much money as possible in as little time and with as little work as possible. This often significantly hurts the case, making both parties in an attorney-client relationship unhappy. 

On the other hand, when the lawyer likes and has respect for a particular client, he is motivated and eager to help him and work on his case. This motivation will translate into a better and a more aggressive advocacy for the client. A great client - a client who is completely truthful, not overly verbose and who has reasonable expectations, not tainted by media, is a valuable asset to any attorney. 

So, if you consider hiring an injury lawyer, and employment attorney or any other kind of attorney, make sure that you actually like the person who will be representing your legal interests and that you get the same vibe from him before you sign a fee agreement.

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I have had a chance to look back at the last 20 cases I have handled, the results I obtain in representing injured persons, workers and small business around San Francisco Bay Are and Sacramento, and I have come to a conclusion that might sound obvious to many - I have achieved the best results and enjoyed working the most with clients who I liked as individuals, and who I genuinely enjoyed meeting. 

Legal representation is a rather unique and in many ways intimate relationship. When an attorney meets a potential client, he gets to find out many private facts about his life - his medical history, educational and employment history, his current financial situation, criminal record, etc... If the lawyer is engaged in representation, the attorney and the client will be working closely together over a long period of time. A typical civil claim can take anywhere from 6 months two 2.5 years or longer to resolve, especially if the case is being appealed.

Thus, it is essential that the attorney and the client simply like each other as humans. A client who likes his attorney, will be more reasonable and courteous in his communication with the attorney, and in turn will receive a better representation from a lawyer, who will be more motivated to help a person who, he actually wants to help and see receive great results. 

Don't settle for an attorney who you consider arrogant, grumpy or unreliable/not responsive just because he/she charges less per hour or because his office is located closer to your residence. Make sure you feel comfortable working with the person who represents your interests in a legal matter, even if his hourly rate or contingency fee is a little higher, and even if it takes a few minutes longer to drive to see him. It will pay off in the end.

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