While it is important for everyone to take special
consideration when trying to find a lawyer, it is even more imperative for
women to do so. As much as we would like to believe the contrary, women still
are not treated equally as men. They often must work harder to be seen on the
same plane as men. They must endure micro-aggressions that discredit them on
the basis of gender. And often, they must argue for equal pay to perform the
same job that men perform but get paid more for.
1. Get the Respect You Deserve
Some people have
an implicit bias that makes them respect men more than women. It is imperative
that your lawyer does not fall into this category. Unfortunately, some people
view women as weak and docile. If your lawyer does not respect you, then they
will be unlikely to work as hard as they can for you.
Hiring a
lawyer who respects women means you get the professional treatment you deserve.
Some ways to ensure this are to make sure that your lawyer does not interrupt
you or negate your opinions and that they always address you politely. These
are some tell-tale signs of respect that you can easily check for in your first
consultation.
2. Be Taken Seriously
Not everyone
respects the opinions, feelings, and beliefs of women. Unfortunately, many
people are prone to disbelieve women. If your lawyer does not believe your side
of the story, then it is highly unlikely that they will help you to win your
case. You need to find a lawyer who can be compassionate and who will tell your story with passion and with facts to sway the opinion of a judge or jury, especially if they have experience in legal secondments.
Find a
lawyer who listens to you and tries their hardest to understand the story from
your point of view. If it seems like they disinterested and are merely treating
you like a number, then you may want to keep looking before signing any
paperwork.
Fortunately,
there are many lawyers who in fact do take seriously the experiences and
testimonies of women, not just as clients but as individuals. If you are in
Florida, then Dennis Hernandez &
Associates can help. They are a personal injury law firm based in Tampa. For
the number of disrespectful and biased lawyers, there are just as many law
firms that are known for their commitment to gender equality and the fair
treatment of women.
3. Protect Those Most Important to You
Many women
have a motherly instinct that compels them to put others before themselves. If
you fall into this category, then you need to find a lawyer who understands the
importance of those closest to you. You may be seeking the help of a lawyer
because of something that happened to you, but your underlying reasons may have
to do with a hope to care for your loved ones in the future. A lawyer who
understands and respects this viewpoint will be able to represent your case.
The
Takeaway
Getting into
a situation where you need the help of a lawyer can be intimidating, but you
don’t need to be afraid to ask for the assistance you need. You just may need
to be a little more cautious if you are a woman. Do not be scared to ask tough
questions to make sure that your potential lawyer will serve your best
interests, respect you, and take you seriously.
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