Attorneys can gain business experience and business education in many different ways. Many attorneys work for several years after college and then attend law school. Others work after college, get an MBA, obtain a higher level position in business, and then ultimately decide to pursue a Law degree. Others major in business, immediately add an MBA, work for a number of years, and then decide to pursue a Law degree. Many others gain business knowledge on the job as attorneys as they progress in their careers.

1. Why do individuals with significant business experience and an MBA decide to attend law school to become attorneys?

This was not likely the plan that they had after college. They decided to pursue a career in business and either went straight to an MBA or got their first job…an entry level job somewhere…getting an MBA later. They worked, advanced in their careers, experienced the ups and downs, and somewhere along the way decided that they wanted to pursue the practice of law. They made the associated sacrifices and took the three years to get through law school. They then started their law careers, behind their peers but highly motivated to work hard and catch up.

2. Does this path to the practice of law matter?

Everyone of course is different, but it is fair to say that it takes a combination of motivation, confidence, perseverance, and a strong sense that law is ultimately the right career path to make the decision to go that route. With these attorneys there is no “I should have done something else rather than practiced law”. They already did the “something else”. This path to a law degree also fuels a passion of “catching up” after graduation due to the late start in the practice of law…working very hard and doing really good work for each client.

3. But does the business background and business education that these attorneys bring to the practice of law really matter? Is it helpful in their practice of law?

Let’s consider, as an example, a small law firm of three to five attorneys. This firm’s practice covers a number of different practice areas, including family law, personal injury, bankruptcy, small business law, and civil litigation. This firm can benefit from attorneys that have a business background and an MBA. Each area of practice has different financial, analytical and modeling requirements, likely some strategy and planning work that is relevant, and business experience can be helpful.

4. More specifically, in what ways is this business experience helpful?

Many different areas of the law and specific cases benefit from strong financial and analytical knowledge and skills provided by attorneys and the support staff. For example, much of a divorce case (with or without children involved) is about the separation of assets, about income statements, balance sheets, cash flow, tax law. Expertise is required to get this right to the benefit of the client. Small mistakes matter and can make a significant difference in the financial outcome.

Bankruptcy, while a very rules driven process, requires detailed engagement with the client on every aspect of their finances, building financial models to support their financial budgeting and ongoing spending decisions. Business clients, regardless of the legal issue, benefit from attorneys that can quickly understand the business, know the questions to ask, and can provide the necessary financial and business analytics. Personal Injury cases require a laser focused approach to monetary damages associated with the case, from out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and many other aspects of damages translated to a monetary award.

When hiring an attorney, the attorney’s background and reputation, the legal areas of focus and expertise, the quality of the initial consultation, comfort level with the attorney and support staff, client reviews, and word-of-mouth are all key considerations. In addition, an attorney’s business background and business education can be a factor in the decision regarding which attorney to go with. Business experience and business education can add value to the services provided by an attorney. The Attorneys at Dozier Law, P.C. provide clients with this background and expertise.

There are four questions that are important to consider when determining which law firm is the right one for you;

• Does the law firm have a track record of success in the area of the law that you need help in?
• Does the law firm have the people and the technology to provide you with efficient and cost-effective services and representation?
• Do you feel comfortable with the lawyers and staff that you have met? Does this feel like the right place for you?
• Does the law firm have a good reputation?

Gathering Information:
So how do you go about gathering information on law firms in your area? First, internet searches will provide a significant amount of information. This includes law firm websites, articles, publications, and client reviews. Your friends, neighbors and acquaintances can also be a good source of information. This could include those you know at work, in local businesses, youth sports, your local work-out spot…wherever you have connections with people in the community. It is also very important to have a meeting (a consultation) with a lawyer in the firm you are considering. You will learn a great deal in this meeting that will help you make a final decision.

Questions that you should address as you do your fact finding;

1. Does the law firm have a track record of success in the area of the law that you need help in?

You should start by doing a google search of lawyers in your area. Be specific. If you are looking for a criminal lawyer, do a search of criminal lawyers. If you are considering a divorce, then divorce lawyers. If you need help with an injury, personal injury lawyer. The same with bankruptcy or any other issue that you are dealing with. Review the websites of the law firms that are listed, including web pages dedicated to the area of law you need support with and the backgrounds of the lawyers and the support staff. There may also be a blog with articles and a client testimonials page.

The consultation with a lawyer is very important. You’ll describe your legal issue and there will be discussion focused on that. This will tell you a lot about the firm’s experiences and capabilities in this area of the law. Remember that you are not searching for a lawyer that can handle your case. You are searching for a lawyer and a firm that you feel can do the best job in representing you in your case and getting the best possible outcome.

2. Does the law firm have the people and the technology to provide you with efficient and cost- effective services and representation?

This information will come primarily from the consultation. Ask the lawyer you are meeting with about the other lawyers in the practice as well as the paralegal and other support staff. If you have a question or need to talk to someone in the firm how will that work? How quickly will someone get back to you? Who will your primary contact person be? If you need to talk to your lawyer, perhaps for reassurance and nothing else, will you be able to do so in a reasonable timeframe?

You can also learn a lot by asking the lawyer about how the firm uses technology. What are the various ways that the firm will communicate with you? Will the lawyer be able to immediately access all documents and conversations when talking to you about your case? How does the firm use technology to gather the facts and develop the information in support of your case? You will want to deal with a firm that uses technology to support their clients in ways that are efficient as well as cost-effective.

3. Do you feel comfortable with the lawyers and staff that you have met? Does this feel like the right place for you?

The consultation will last about an hour. You may be in a conference room or a lawyer’s office. After the consultation ask for a brief tour of the law office so that you can say “Hi” to several of the support staff and perhaps another lawyer. This will give you a good sense of the office and the people that work in the firm. Remember, first impressions are usually accurate. Questions that you should ask yourself; Do I feel comfortable and at ease? Do I feel that the lawyer I met with is someone who I will be able to communicate with and be open with? Does it feel as if I have come to the right place?

4. Does the law firm have a good reputation?

You will want to be reassured that a law firm is respected in the legal community. There are a number of very reputable online sources that can help you with this. One is Martindale-Hubbell which provides a profile of the law firm as well as peer (other lawyers) and client reviews. Another is AVVO which provides information on the firm, the lawyers within the firm as well as client reviews. Another good source of information is Justia, which has a law firm directory with lawyer profiles focused on the various areas of the law.

Another good way to obtain reviews from a law firm’s former clients is Google reviews. Each review includes a rating and comments from clients regarding their experience with the law firm as well as any response to the review that the law firm has provided. Google reviews, combined with client reviews from the other sources noted above, can provide you with a good understanding of what former clients have to say about their personal experience and the legal support provided by the law firm.

Hiring a law firm for your legal issue is a very important decision. Do your homework and gather the information you need to make the decision, one that you feel good about and are comfortable with. This will put you in the position to have a positive experience with your lawyer and support staff as well as the best opportunity for a positive outcome to your legal issue.

At Dozier Law, P.C. we are committed to providing legal support that delivers the best possible results for our clients. Our focus is on the following areas of the law…family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal defense, wills/trusts/estates, and civil litigation.

1.REFRESH YOUR MEMORY
Go over all the facts in your mind before the court date. Try to recall as clearly as possible what happened and the timing of the events. This will enable you to remember the facts more clearly when you are being questioned.

2.DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Dress conservatively and be well groomed. As a reference, you should think in terms of a job interview. You want the judge or jury to focus on what you are saying and not be distracted by your appearance. Dressing appropriately will also help your confidence.

3.BEING SWORN IN
This is the time to make a good first impression. When you are taking the oath stand up straight, look directly at the person administering the oath, and say “I do” clearly and confidently in a voice that everyone can hear.

4.TALK SLOWLY, CLEARLY, AND LOUD ENOUGH
Talk slowly, clearly, and loud enough so that everyone in the room can hear you. Take your time before answering so that you can give some thought to your response. Don’t try to memorize answers to questions. Talk naturally and be yourself.

5.STICK TO THE FACTS
Testify to what you know. Tell the court what you saw and heard, not what you think or what someone else thinks or said. When questioned, if you do not know the answer or cannot remember something, say so.

6.BE TRUTHFUL
You take an oath to “tell the truth”, and that is what you need to do. Answer each question based on what you know and what you can remember. If you don’t know, say so.

7.LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE QUESTION
Listen and wait until the entire question is asked before responding. Concentrate on understanding the complete question rather than formulating your response as the question is being asked.

8.DON’T GUESS AT WHAT A QUESTION MEANS
Never answer a question unless you are clear about what is being asked. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be explained. If you still don’t understand, say so and don’t attempt to answer it.

9.DON’T EXAGGERATE OR VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
When responding to a question, stick to the facts and respond based on things you have observed or have personal knowledge about. Answer the questions asked and don’t over-explain or provide additional information that is not necessary.

10.CORRECT ANY MISTAKES
If you do not answer a question correctly, make corrections immediately. If you were not clear with an answer, clarify your response immediately. You can also ask to correct something you said earlier after having thought about it. Further, be consistent with other testimony that you may have given.

11.DON’T ANSWER IN ABSOLUTES
Statements such as “that is everything that happened” or “that is the complete conversation” can be a problem. You don’t leave yourself the opportunity to add information later if you recall additional things. Instead, say “that is all I remember happening” and “that is all I recall of the conversation”.

12.STOP TALKING WHEN THERE IS AN OBJECTION
Immediately stop talking if you hear the word “objection.” The judge will tell you when you can continue to answer the question or go to a different question.

13.STAY CALM AND COURTEOUS
You will likely be nervous. Breathe slowly and keep your emotions in check. Don’t take things personally and get defensive and never show impatience, sarcasm, anger, or lose your temper.

14.BE CONFIDENT
Confidently give direct and concise answers whenever possible. If you don’t know, say so. Avoid any qualifiers such as I think, I believe, it appeared to me, my thought is.

15.DON’T DISCUSS YOUR TESTIMONY
Don’t talk to anyone other than your lawyer about your testimony. This applies until the case is officially over.

At Dozier Law, P.C. we are committed to providing legal support that delivers the best possible results for our clients. Our focus is on the following areas of the law…family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal defense, wills/trusts/estates, and civil litigation.

So what is an AVVO rating and what does it mean?

An AVVO rating is a 1 to 10 score used to rate attorneys. The rating is based on an attorney’s AVVO profile. The profile is based on background information that AVVO collects from publicly available sources combined with information provided directly by the attorney. Sources of public information include state bar associations, regulatory agencies, court records and other information on the internet. Each attorney has a profile area for information on their background, including education, membership in legal/business associations, awards/recognition, and peer endorsements.

How is the AVVO rating calculated?

First, it is calculated based on a mathematical model (a proprietary algorithm). Every attorney is evaluated on the same information and the model used is identical for each attorney.

Second, every attorney is treated equally. There is no discussion/debate if an attorney does not like their rating. Further, if an attorney advertises their services on AVVO it does not help their rating.

The mathematical model used to calculate the AVVO rating was developed from input from hundreds of attorneys and thousands of consumers. It is based on the things that are important to people when choosing an attorney. The model focuses on the attorney’s profile information, including experience, professional achievements, and other industry recognition. It also highlights disciplinary actions if any have been taken.

The mathematical model incorporates all of the information on an attorney and calculates a rating, from 1 to 10:

• 9.0 – 10.0 Superb
• 8.0 – 8.9 Excellent
• 7.0 – 7.9 Very Good
• 6.0 – 6.9 Good
• 5.0 – 5.9 Average
• 4.0 – 4.9 Concern
• 3.0 – 3.9 Caution
• 2.0 – 2.9 Strong Caution
• 1.0 – 1.9 Extreme Caution

An attorney that has recently graduated and passed the bar will usually have a lower rating than someone who has been in practice for ten years, twenty years or more. This rating will improve over time with the practice of law. However, longevity does not guarantee a higher rating.

The AVVO rating is one of many sources of information on an attorney

An attorney’s AVVO rating should be used as one input in determining the attorney who is right for you. In addition to the attorney rating, AVVO includes client reviews and peer reviews from other attorneys. Google client reviews are also an excellent source of information. A law firm’s website will tell you about the firm’s practice and the areas of law that the firm handles. Be sure to go to the section of the website on attorneys and review the profiles. Conduct general searches on the internet…there is a lot of information available. Ask your neighbors, friends, associates at work, or other acquaintances if they have an attorney that they would recommend. All of this will help you to determine the attorney that looks like the right one for you. Then set up a consultation with the attorney on your legal matter. The consultation will go a long way in answering your question “is this the right attorney for me?”

Character, Conviction & Commitment … A Family Formula
Dennis G. Dozier, Sr. & Dozier Law, P.C.
Story by Katrice Williams

Dozier Law, P.C. has been a staple in the Effingham community for over two decades. Dennis G. Dozier, Sr., a Virginia Beach native, has lived in Effingham for over 26 years. As a proud husband, father, and grandfather, Dennis feels that family is a priceless commodity. He and his wife Mary Lowell Dozier have been married for 45 years.

“I have a very supportive wife and family. I live in a wonderful community, and I don’t take anything for granted,” he says.

Dennis and Mary Lowell have three children: Dennis Jr., Adam, and Savannah, all of whom are involved in helping the business thrive. Dennis Jr. is the general manager for the firm and is completing his law degree.

Adam, who is also an attorney, has worked alongside his dad for over six years.

Savannah is co-owner of Brand Local Communications, and she handles the law firm’s social media marketing. Dennis and Mary Lowell have five young grandkids who they just love to pieces.

Finding His Way to Law

Law was not Dennis’ first career choice. After relocating to Georgia from Virginia Beach in 1972, he attended Georgia Southern University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics in 1976. He later earned his Master of Business Administration Degree from University of Georgia.

After graduating, Dennis managed his father-in-law’s agribusiness firm in Southwest Georgia for over 11 years. However, he never became settled in his career.

Understanding the principles that he strove to incorporate into his own life, combined with his interest for the welfare of others, Dennis looked toward the field of law, enrolling in the University of Georgia’s School of Law.

Dennis recalls his humble beginnings, remembering when he and Mary Lowell, taking a leap of faith, sold their home and moved to Athens with their little ones. Mary Lowell was committed to caring for their three small children while Dennis was a full-time law school student, so there was little household income. During that time, he is certain that he learned the real meaning of “starting anew.”

All the sacrifices, along with the hard work and diligence paid off, as Dennis earned his law degree in 1995.

The family then moved to Effingham, where Dennis began practicing at The Ratchford Firm before starting his own practice in 1999.

Dennis and Mary Lowell have truly enjoyed making Effingham their home.

Character, Conviction, and Commitment

From the start, Dennis knew the need to incorporate strong character, conviction, and commitment to principled behavior into his business. To this day, the Dozier Law, P.C. team takes pride in reflecting dignity, honor, respect, and integrity.

“We always stay with the truth,” Dennis commented.

He agrees that a lawyer’s job is much different than what the public may perceive, largely due to the questionable actions of those who have made dishonorable practices commonplace; these actions shamelessly tear away at the very foundation on which the entire U.S. justice system was built.

Dennis and his team know that it is all about people—helping with their issues in the best ways possible. Over the years, Dennis has assisted a multitude of clients, including those seeking help with domestic issues, criminal problems, divorce, personal injury, financial problems, and estate planning.

“I love what I’m doing—helping ordinary people solve not so ordinary problems,” he said.

A Strong Background

Without question, Dennis knows that the man he is and his unwavering values are greatly due to both his parents: Rev. John Wesley Dozier and Viola Endrich Dozier.

“I had wonderful parents; I was very blessed,” Dennis says.

He is confident that much of his work ethic comes from his dad John, one of his biggest inspirations. John was a WWII pilot. He later attended and graduated law school. Though he never chose to practice law, but he did remain in the field of law and justice, becoming an FBI agent. Over time, however, John began to feel that he had a significantly different calling; he went to seminary and became a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, and later, a Presbyterian minister.

Much of that has trickled down into Dennis’ life today. He and his family enjoy attending church together. He remembers hearing a beautiful and heartfelt prayer that his five-year-old grandson Mason prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ. There were few words that the proud granddad could utter in response to the tender moment.

Writing Books for Children

Speaking of Mason, he is actually a little star, largely due to the efforts of his Granddad Dennis—the children’s book author. The attorney also writes children’s books.

Dennis always enjoyed telling his children bedtime stories when they were young. Though he made up a different story each time, many of the stories had one thing in common: a big, pink, and very friendly dragon.

Remembering those times, Dennis was inspired to write some of the stories, and he has now written a seven-book series. The books are about the friendly dragon named Pinkerton Pernelli—a name given by Dennis and Mason because the dragon is pink and weighs a ton. Pinkerton learns and shares a lot of valuable lessons, helping others along the way.

All the stories teach underlying morals and values in a very kid-friendly manner. Pinkerton is often accompanied by his best friend Mason, a happy, curious, smart, and very helpful little guy who teaches a lot of great lessons himself. Mason’s real-life best friend Arden also shows up as a story character.

Each book is filled with fabulously-illustrated pictures, colorful scenes, and clever rhymes, encompassing an exciting, fun, and insightful story.

Young readers are sure to enjoy the many adventures of Pinkerton and Mason.

Dennis loves time with his family. He feels very blessed in life and is looking forward to a beautiful and fulfilling future.

(912) 826-5253
www.dozierlawpc.com
430 Silverwood Centre Drive Rincon, GA 31326

DOZIER LAW, P.C. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a relationship with ePay Management that allows clients to easily seek outside third-party financing of legal fees! ePay Management provides a multi-lender platform that delivers financing offers directly to you. They approve individuals with credit scores as low as 600 and offer terms up to 60 months – with rates from 5.99% to 35.99% subject to income and credit. This can result in low monthly payments, even in cases involving relatively substantial legal fees.

All that is involved is a quick online application, which will be met with an immediate response of offers from up to eleven lenders based upon your credit score and income. The application is a “soft inquiry” and does not affect your credit score. Funds come directly to you so you will be able to pay your legal fees and have the representation you need and deserve at a payment you can afford!

To see how affordable quality representation can be, please call DOZIER LAW, P.C. at (912) 826-5253.

If you think you might not qualify, friends or family can qualify on your behalf.

DISCLAIMER:

Dozier Law, P.C. has negotiated an ongoing relationship with ePay Management, a third-party vendor, to make lending services easily and readily available to our clients. Dozier Law, P.C. has no other function in the financing process. Dozier Law, P.C. is not responsible for the application or approval process, loan origination, loan structure, collections procedures, or any other aspect of lender practices for any applicant. Dozier Law, P.C. strongly recommends thoroughly reviewing all lender rules, guidelines, and agreements prior to entering into any business relationship with ePay Management, FlexxBuy LLC, Crowdnetic Corporation, or any lender. As is the case with any financial loan transaction, the borrower should make sure he or she understands every aspect of the financial responsibilities regarding any loan prior to entering into any loan agreement and that the loan agreement suits the individual’s personal financial situation.