There is nothing more daunting than knowing that you have to deal with the legal system in some way or another. In every aspect of law the stakes are high. You should always have a good lawyer when you are dealing with any aspect of the legal system. Moreover you should always have a local lawyer represent you. So if you live in the Bay Area, you should have a local Bay Area lawyer that lives and practices in the Bay Area and not some other community.

This is not to say that a lawyer that is not from the Bay Area could not do a competent job. It is to say that just like you should choose a lawyer that specializes in the area of law that your case is in, you should also choose a lawyer who is local to where your case is. So, if you live in the Bay Area, then you should choose a local Bay Area lawyer.

A good lawyer whether he or she is a Bay Area lawyer or a lawyer from another community should have the following qualities:

1. Have a deep understanding of his or her area of legal specialty.
2. Be passionate about protecting your rights.
3. A good Bay Area lawyer hates loosing.
4. Must be confident in the court room. But not overly confident or arrogant.
5. Must have charisma and character and know how to use both to manipulate the prosecution and persuade the jury.
6. A strong will to be forceful when necessary and intelligent enough to know when to back off.
7. Must have a winning track record with similar cases.
8. On good terms police, prosecutors and other lawyers. A good Bay Area lawyer is only as good as their connections.
9. Honest and open with you about how your case is going. You need the truth more than you need someone concerned about your stress level.
10. A strategic and tactical thinker. Every good strategy needs good tactics to maneuver through the minefield of the opponent’s strategy.

Above all else a good lawyer, a good Bay Area lawyer, must hate to loose. It is not enough that your lawyer wants to protect your rights. He or she must hate loosing . People that hate loosing, put a personal stake into what they are doing. This person could have your life in their hands. If you need a lawyer and you live in the Bay Area you should consult with a local Bay Area lawyer. And when you are interviewing to find that lawyer don’t forget the “10 Characteristics Of A Good Bay Area Lawyer.”