INTRO BY BY JOHN ASHFORD, OMAHA ASSISTANT CITY PROSECUTOR
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LAWYER?
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veryone will need a good lawyer at some point. As a 14-year member of the Nebraska Bar, former public defender, and career prosecutor in a high-volume area of law, I am reminded daily of what makes a good lawyer by the competence and professionalism of those I work with.
A good lawyer is trustworthy. While it sounds simple, finding one is more complicated. People can live a majority of their lives without needing a lawyer, but when needed, the choice of whom to hire can have profound positive and negative consequences. The legal community in Omaha is small. To provide context, the Nebraska Supreme Court swore in 110 new lawyers in September 2020. Out of those 110, fewer than half will work in Omaha. Lawyers here know each other, and the best way to hire a good lawyer is to ask a trusted friend in the Omaha legal community. One’s divorce lawyer may not be right to handle one’s estate planning, but he or she can recommend the right person. The internet, on the other hand, is perilous. There are costly services available that block and dispute all negative reviews. Most attorneys that have a perfect average use these services. One should also be wary of firms that advertise highly. There are likely some good attorneys that work there, but determining which ones are good is difficult without more information. Once must choose a lawyer that is right for him or her. One’s relationship with his or her lawyer must work on a professional and personal level. One should also discuss, or even set, expectations with their lawyer at the outset of his or her case, which includes discussing all costs and fee structure. A client must be upfront on what he or she wants/needs from the case. A good lawyer will always give a potential client the honest answers he or she needs. // 58 //
JULY/AUGUST 2022 | SPONSORED CONTENT
HIGHTOWER REFF LAW
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t Hightower Reff Law, working together isn’t just a philosophy, it’s their daily practice. With a resolute mission to help their clients move forward in life, the results they achieve are made possible by their dedication to steadfast teamwork. The attorneys and staff know that the types of cases they handle can threaten everything their clients hold dear, which is why they draw from the unique experiences and specialized knowledge of their entire team. In matters of divorce and family law, estate planning, criminal defense, immigration law, business law and contracts, and workers’ compensation, their team strives to empower people by offering straightforward legal advice and strategies—tirelessly working on behalf of their clients’ best interests and legal outcomes. As the team celebrates 10 years of practice and growth, one project they are especially excited about is their newly launched Lady Lawyer League podcast. As lawyers, they often feel like superheroes when given the opportunity to help people through some of the more challenging times in their lives. Their podcast gives them the opportunity to educate, share advice, and pass along wisdom that may prove invaluable to its listeners—stories of what it’s like being a lady lawyer, an entrepreneur, and a little (maybe a lot) about the law. Most importantly, the success experienced by Hightower Reff Law allows them to support their community in service via a diverse range of volunteer efforts. As they reflect on the past 10 years, they are grateful for the support they have had, allowing them to continue to serve with confidence, clarity, and unwavering commitment. Hightower Reff Law 402.932.9550 10110 Nicholas St #102 Omaha, NE 68114 hrlawomaha.com
