Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences that anyone can go through. Victims of sexual abuse are left scarred for life, and most of them end up falling into depression. The most unfortunate thing is that some of the sexual abuse cases involve members of the clergy. Whereas the clergy members should be the ones leading the congregation on the right path, it is saddening that some of them take advantage of the church members. If you are a sexual abuse victim or know someone who has been sexually abused by a clergy member, you need to fight for your rights. It is a hard and painful process, but with the right clergy abuse lawyer, you can get justice. Read on to be informed on a few things you need to consider before hiring a clergy abuse lawyer;
- Reputation
The reputation of any lawyer goes a long way in finding the right clients. Their reputation is, therefore, something that you cannot ignore. Find out what other people are saying about the lawyer, as this will give you more insight about them. In this digital era, most law firms have websites that you can check some of the reviews. You want to hire a lawyer who has a great reputation and is also ranked highly with their previous clients. This will, in turn, give you confidence that the lawyer will be able to handle your case with professionalism.
- Experience is key
Sexual abuse cases are very sensitive and can prove to be challenging to decipher too. The experience of the clergy abuse lawyer is a vital factor to consider. You want to hire an attorney that has dealt with such cases before and has a high success rate. You can also ask them to give you the contacts of some of their references that you can speak to.
- Interpersonal skills
The attorney you choose should have great interpersonal skills. This is so because there are a lot of emotions involved in such cases. Find a lawyer who is compassionate, patient, and a great listener too. You should be able to communicate easily with them without the fear of being judged. The right clergy abuse lawyer will have your best interest at heart and will ensure that they fight for your rights to the very end.
- Legal fees
The next thing that you want to consider is the legal fees that the attorney charges. Before getting into a contract with them, it is essential to find out if they charge an hourly rate or have a contingency fee arrangement. Also, ask them if you need to make a deposit beforehand. Getting information about their legal fees ensures that you do not get into any disagreements when it comes to paying up.
Take Away
Finding a reputable clergy abuse lawyer is the first step to getting justice for your sexual abuse case. The tips mentioned are a great guide to help you find the right one.