Why Would an Attorney Hire Another Attorney for a Legal Case When They Could Handle It Themselves?

Attorneys often find themselves in the position of seeking external assistance for their legal cases, even when they possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle the matter themselves. This decision is driven by several primary factors, including the complexity of legal cases, the need for expertise in a particular area, and the importance of maintaining objectivity in representing oneself.

When Specialization is Needed

The first primary reason for hiring another attorney is specialization. As legal practice becomes increasingly focused and niche-specific, attorneys often develop deep expertise in a particular field. For instance, a real estate transaction lawyer would be hesitant to represent themselves in a criminal case, even if they studied criminal law in law school. This is because legal tasks that matter are often not routine and require the often-discernible expertise of a specialist in that particular area.

The Importance of Objectivity

A less tangible, yet equally critical, reason for hiring another attorney is the issue of objectivity. As the saying goes, 'a man with himself as a lawyer has a fool for a client.' The attorney who is representing themselves is predisposed to believe their position, making it difficult to remain objective and assess the case from an outsider's perspective. This bias can be detrimental to the legal strategy and overall representation, which is why hiring another attorney to provide an objective perspective is often wise.

Examples of Hiring Another Attorney

Consider a large corporation sued for 100 million dollars. The corporate staff attorney will almost always opt to hire outside counsel. This decision is largely due to the potential consequences of losing such a significant case. The implications of such a loss could be devastating for the corporation, leading to legal risks and financial burdens. It would be a severe blow to management's credibility and the company's reputation if the staff attorney were to fail in defending the case.

Attorneys also hire others for routine and less critical legal issues to focus on their core competencies. For example, an attorney specializing in bankruptcy law is unlikely to handle their own divorce case, as they would rather leverage the expertise of a colleague who specializes in matrimonial law to handle the intricacies and emphasize their own professional strengths.

Conclusion

In summary, hiring another attorney for a legal case is a smart decision when the complexity or the specialized nature of the case demands it. This not only ensures the quality of the legal representation but also maintains the necessary objectivity that is so crucial in ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether a large corporation or an individual attorney, the benefits of specialization and objectivity can significantly impact the success of a legal case.

Remember, the content of this article is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek help from a licensed attorney for a detailed and tailored advice unique to your legal issues.