Don’t Be Fooled by Scam Attorneys

If an attorney you do not know calls you or shows up at your door, do not talk to them! It may be an attorney for the other party or an insurance company. Or, it may be an unethical attorney trying to get your business.

Recently, I have heard clients tell me that someone claiming to be an attorney from Chicago has called them directly or has shown up at their home to solicit their business. One reported incident occurred where an attorney knocked on someone’s door on a Sunday afternoon. His approach was interpreted by the homeowner to be intimidating and aggressive and he tried to get them to hire his office to represent them in a motor vehicle accident. If you encounter any such person, do not talk to them.

You’re Protected Under the Law

Attorneys in the State of Illinois are prohibited from soliciting clients directly either in person or by phone. The Illinois Code of Professional Conduct Rule 7.3 states:

“A lawyer shall not by in person, live telephone or real-time electronic contact solicit professional employment…”

This means that you should never get unsolicited calls or in-person visits from an attorney you do not know. If you do, be wary!

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel If You Need Help

If you need to hire an attorney to represent you, you should seek a local, trusted attorney. Attorneys are held to high ethical standards, and you do not want to be represented by an attorney that will so easily ignore the rules and laws that govern how they are to practice. If they are willing to skirt one code of ethics, they may be willing to violate other ethical rules. Do not risk it.

Unfortunately, motor vehicle accident reports are considered public record. Law firms will commonly obtain those reports and send marketing mail to the parties involved to solicit business. This has been a widely accepted marketing practice for many years and lets potential clients know they may have a right to seek an attorney. But knocking on your door is not an appropriate marketing strategy.

Don’t Go It Alone

If you are injured and need to seek legal counsel, reach out to a trusted and experienced attorney in your area. You want an attorney who complies with the law and will fight for what you deserve. Black & Jones Attorneys at Law have been representing injured people in the Rockford area for decades. Call today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out this form for a free consultation about your injury.