Would you go for help to a law practice where all the partners have the same last name?
I saw an ad for a law practice here in Georgia – “Bentley, Bentley, and Bentley, Attorneys.” My guess is that it is 2–3 generations of the same family.
What bothers me is that it’s all nepotistic. You don’t know Bentley junior is a good lawyer, or if he/she is just there because it’s the child of the owner.
I also wonder if they ever disagree, being in the same family. I would want a lawyer who gets fresh ideas from his or her partners, not one who simply spouts the family position.
Am I being overcritical here? Does this sort of family law practice feel right to you?
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12 Answers
Can you not look up their win-loss record somewhere?
What’s in a name? What you want is talent. It matters not if they’re related. As loli says, due diligence is on you. Look em up, and ask around
Also, if you had some plumbing company co-owned by severeal generations of the same family, would you have the same doubts about their qualifications?
I mean, they all had to go to law school, and pass their bar exam, so no matter what, there is a baseline of competence you can expect.
I would rather choose them than Bentley, Bentley, and Fiat Attorneys
Yes if he/she came recommended by a trusted source, though I can’t say I’m a fan from a marketing perspective.
Sure. The kids heard law their whole lives. You don’t go to law school because it’s fun or easy. I’m familiar with a few family firms and they are all outstanding.
It may be a good idea as one is not only getting one lawyer, but his/her whole family in on it and thus hopefully a winner?
I would!
Screw the plumbers though, those Mario Bros. are off their heads!
Usually, I would get a name of a lawyer from a friend, and if they had been happy with them, it wouldn’t deter me that they are a family business.
Nepotism isn’t all bad. A lot of small businesses are family run. In many ways nepotism makes sense, because most likely you know you can trust the person, but of course it can backfire.
DNA does carry information genetically.
If I were as worried as you I’d create some sort of a scenario or story. And test them on their capabilities and competence using this “riddle”
Doesn’t genius also run in families? It shouldn’t matter one bit if the law firm is a family practice any more than if the business were a bakery, pharmacy or hardware store. Talent and standards. What’s in a name?
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