As you may recall, I have been entrenched in the criminal justice system, as well as a few related arenas, for over 30 years. Over the last several years, I have been doing so as Of Counsel at Altman & Altman, LLP in Cambridge
The last few years, of course, have also brought me the noteworthy Ian Keefe as my associate here.
Yesterday, as I was busy turning 57 years old, I took some time, as we often do at birthdays, taking stock of the situation.
You know, there is a reason that the recognition on www.Expertise.com I recently got mentioned both Altman and me.
Altman & Altman, LLP is primarily a personal injury law firm. However, the Altmans realized the wisdom in having other attorneys, like me, around so that their clients can receive expert representation in other areas of law as well.
The firm is managed by the brothers Altman, Steven and David, both seasoned attorneys. Their approach to handling cases, like mine, centers on the personal needs of the individual client.
Criminal and civil cases are like the clients who come with them. They are individuals. A “cookie-cutter” approach is not appropriate. Therefore the goals for one client may not be the same as the goals for another client. I have seen too many firms which do not recognize this. It is certainly not the easiest approach, but it is the approach to use if you want to get the best results for the client.
Often, a client will have the need for a lawyer in two areas of legal conflict. For example, Gayle Guzzler has a few too many (allegedly) and gets into an automobile accident. Suddenly, she finds herself facing criminal drunk driving charges. She comes to me for that. Then, the next week, she gets notice that she is being sued, or decides she wants to sue the other driver (who really caused the accident). The civil litigators at Altman would be the one to see for that.
While automobile accidents are a large part of the Altman caseload, it does not end there. There are other types of lawsuits. There are problems dealing with insurance companies. Problems in keeping one’s driver’s license.
Of course, the talented bunch of lawyers at Altman do more than handle their own civil cases. The firm provides an infrastructure for many of the associated attorneys, such as Ian and myself, in our areas of law. There are outside venders sometimes needed such as private investigators and expert witnesses.
Such folks end up being vetted through use of the firm so that when a particular attorney, such as myself, can have confidence in using them.
This, of course, benefits ALL the clients and gives cohesion to their representation.
“What is this, Sam? A commercial for Altman & Altman, LLP?”
Well, I guess so in a way. Just want to make sure the word is out. Give credit where credit is due. That sort of thing.
It’s being pleasant.
Enjoy it while you can.
Coming next will be postings about the antithesis of pleasantness, giving credit where credit is due and individualized understanding and care. We venture back into a subject about which I have not blogged for awhile.
But there is only so long one can try to ignore a festering boil on the skin of justice like this particular…Department.
Any idea what the topic is?