If you are facing criminal charges, family disputes, or other urgent legal matters, you know that you need legal representation. Most people believe there will likely be a different outcome in their case if they choose a public defender over a private attorney. Could a private attorney boost your chances of success in court?
Why People Search for a “Private Attorney Near Me”
Those who type “private attorney near me” into a search engine are looking for experienced, personalized help, and not just any licensed attorney or trained lawyer. There are many reasons you might need this level of experience and thus need to hire a private attorney. Discover the differences between a private attorney and a public defender, as well as qualities to look for to help you choose the right one.
What Is a Private Attorney?
A private attorney is defined as a licensed attorney who is hired directly by either an individual or an entity, such as a business. These attorneys are not court-appointed but work separately from the public defender’s office in a private practice. Unlike public defenders, private attorneys are not provided by the state.
Because a private attorney is not an employee of the government or appointed by the court, they work solely for you. Note that this does not mean you will be their only client, as attorneys can represent many different clients, such as those facing criminal charges, individuals who are part of a civil dispute, or businesses needing legal representation. However, private attorneys determine their own caseloads, as opposed to public defenders, who often carry heavy caseloads as necessitated by the busy court docket.
A private attorney offers private consultations, gives helpful legal advice, drafts and files legal documents, negotiates on their clients’ behalf, and represents them in a trial.
Private Attorney vs. Public Defender: Key Differences
| Key Factors | Private Attorney | Public Defender |
| Client chooses? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (assigned by court) |
| Caseload Volume | Lower and more personalized | High (limited time per case) |
| Communication Availability | Higher- more responsive | Often harder to reach |
| Legal Strategy | Customized and proactive | Often limited by time/resources |
| Cost | Paid by the client | Free or state-funded |
As you can see, there are several differences between a public defender versus a private attorney. While both have pros and cons, there are many benefits of a private attorney, especially for particularly complex legal situations.
Caseloads
Public defenders are often assigned to multiple cases due to the extremely busy Arizona court docket. Because time is so limited, they may not always have the ability to develop an effective defense strategy. Much of their time may be spent in court representing their many clients.
Private lawyers are able to take on as many clients as they wish. They usually take on a small caseload to focus on each case, develop tailored strategies, carry out thorough investigations, research, and gather evidence. Their sole focus is to achieve a positive outcome for their much smaller caseload.
Communication
Private attorneys often communicate more regularly compared to public defenders, who are often inundated with multiple cases at once. With so much time spent in court, public defenders often have limited availability to speak with their clients. Private attorneys have the ability to choose how many clients they will take on at one time, resulting in more time to communicate with them.
The Ability to Choose
A major benefit of hiring a private attorney is your ability to choose the individual or firm you feel will best handle your case. You have the freedom to schedule a consultation and ask them questions, then you can determine whether they have the experience and knowledge necessary to be effective in developing your defense before hiring them.
When you decide to use a public defender, one will be assigned to handle your case. In most situations, if you are not happy with the public defender assigned to you, you may fire them. If you choose to do so, however, you will likely not be assigned a new one.
The Results of Your Case
Private attorneys may work more diligently to secure you the results you desire because they can be personally impacted by the outcome of your case. When a private attorney loses a case, their reputation could be negatively affected, which means losing clients. Therefore, they are more likely to work hard to obtain a better outcome.
Public defenders, by contrast, will continue to have clients whether or not they lose a case. While they are obligated to help their clients navigate the legal process, they have less at stake in the event of a loss. As a client, you reap the benefits of a private lawyer’s motivation to succeed.
When Should You Hire a Private Attorney?
When weighing the pros and cons of hiring an Arizona private attorney or a public defender, it is important to consider the legal issues you are facing. If you’re experiencing these needs, you likely need a private attorney:
Criminal Defense or Family Law Strategies
Criminal charges like DUI, domestic violence, or drug crimes have serious consequences. They require extensive experience in criminal defense, with the ability to develop a strong defense strategy. If you are facing criminal charges, consider searching Google for an even more specific term, such as “private criminal defense attorney near me.” A private criminal defense lawyer is essential for achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Family law matters are another reason to consider hiring a private attorney. They often involve high stakes, such as custody battles, divorces with valuable assets, or cases where child enforcement is needed. These complex legal situations require the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer.
Tailored Strategies and Direct Communication
Hiring a private attorney gives you the reassurance that you will have aggressive representation, advocating for your rights throughout the legal process. You can trust that they will dedicate their full time and attention to your case and that they will create a defense strategy tailored to your specific needs. Similarly, if you prefer clear communication in which your attorney reliably responds to your questions, a private attorney is the best option.
Quicker Positive Outcomes
If you have an urgent issue that needs to be resolved quickly, consider hiring a private attorney who has more time to dedicate to your case and efficiently handle every aspect of the legal process. Then, search for a private attorney with great reviews and testimonials to find an attorney with experience in your case type. An experienced attorney with a history of producing great results can help you ensure your case reaches the outcome you desire.
What to Look for in a Private Attorney
Choosing the right private attorney is essential to obtaining a positive outcome in your case. However, not all defense lawyers have the same level of skill and experience. For this reason, it is essential to be meticulous in your search.
Look for these qualities when searching for a private attorney:
Local Experience With Arizona Courts
Hiring an attorney who has experience with the local court system can help your case. Your attorney should have knowledge about the local judges, including how they make decisions, their biases, their preferences, and other tendencies. An attorney who knows the local court process is also familiar with the court’s rules and procedures.
Clear Communication and Ready Availability
Communication is the key to a successful relationship. When your lawyer is transparent, providing frequent updates regarding your case in a way you can understand, you will maintain a level of trust with them. You can feel calm and confident that your lawyer understands your needs and is doing everything possible to help you find success..
Answering your questions and responding to any concerns is also important to a lawyer/client relationship. Look for a private attorney with positive reviews regarding communication and request a consultation. If they respond quickly to your questions and communicate clearly during the consultation, they are likely a good fit.
Experience With Your Kind of Case
A private attorney who specializes in the area of law pertaining to your case is a great asset to have. With knowledge and experience in their area of expertise, they can develop a solution unique to your legal situation. In addition, years of experience in a specific area of law can mean extensive resources available during your case.
Proven Track Record and Strong Client Reviews
During your search for a private attorney, look for positive reviews and testimonials that demonstrate a proven track record of success. Start by searching for your attorney or firm on Google Reviews. You can also try websites such as Avvo, which offers unbiased reviews and ratings for attorneys located in your area.
You may find testimonials from satisfied clients on a law firm’s site or other sources, such as Yelp. Consider asking trusted friends or relatives who have experienced similar legal matters for their recommendations, as word of mouth is an effective way to discover highly skilled attorneys.
Free Consultations
Many private attorneys offer free consultations to give you the opportunity to meet with them and ask questions to determine if they are the right fit for you. Use this opportunity to ask your most pressing questions and ensure this attorney has relevant experience, can communicate directly and transparently, and will provide the legal advice you are looking for.
No matter the legal issue you are facing, The Valley Law Group can handle it with empathy and understanding while fighting for your best interests. We offer free consultations to help you determine your next steps.
Why Clients Choose The Valley Law Group
Court procedures, dynamics, rules, and outcomes vary from region to region, so it is essential to seek local private representation. The Valley Law Group is a top-rated law firm that has offices in Phoenix, Gilbert, Peoria, and Scottsdale, with experienced lawyers who understand the local court systems.
Our Areas of Practice
The Valley Law Group understands that our clients come to us with unique needs, and they are facing difficult legal problems. We strive to assist with a wide variety of legal issues, including criminal defense, personal injury, and family law.
Whether you are facing DUI charges, have sustained injuries in a car accident, or are experiencing a family issue, our private attorneys can walk you through the legal process and offer effective, trusted strategies. We have handled a variety of family law cases, from complex divorce cases involving spousal support and valuable assets to child custody cases where parents cannot come to an agreement on a parenting plan.
Our Central/West Valley Office
Our managing attorney for criminal defense in the Central/West Valley area is Jon McCarty. With his extensive experience in criminal defense and family law, he can help you ensure your case proceeds smoothly and reaches a positive conclusion. Jon is well-versed in the local court system and has developed relationships and resources that can benefit your case.
Our Personalized Approach
When you meet with one of our attorneys for a consultation, they will review your circumstances, discuss the details of your case, and explain your rights and legal options. We understand that every client and every case is different. This is why we take a personalized approach and create a unique defense for each individual.
Testimonials
The Valley Law Firm’s stellar reputation in the Phoenix area is well-evidenced by the many positive client testimonials on the web.
One testimonial written by a client satisfied with their case results says:
They were super helpful and you can clearly tell how much they care for their clients! Their staff is very professional, welcoming and nice. They definitely will do everything to make sure you win your case!
Catherine explains her time working with Partner and Founder, Jon Roeder:
Thank you Jon for helping me with my case and making me feel comfortable during the proceedings. I appreciate the guidance you provided and the legal recommendations so that I could achieve the best possible outcome for my situation. I would have been very lost without your help!
Samantha states of her experience:
I feel like I got a lot of clarification with my worries about my situation. My thoughts are a lot clearer.
Ready to Consult with a Private Attorney?
At The Valley Law Group, our private attorneys offer compassionate, comprehensive legal services to residents across Arizona. Whether you are facing a family law dispute, looking for help with a personal injury claim, or need a skilled criminal defense attorney, our firm has you covered.
With offices conveniently located in Phoenix, Gilbert, Peoria, and Scottsdale, The Valley Law Group offers the convenient, customized representation you need to navigate the complex Arizona court system.
Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.
Jonathan Roeder, Founder/Director of Marketing of The Valley Law Group, is an Arizona native who has dedicated his life and career to the service of others. After graduating salutatorian of his high school class, Jonathan attended beautiful and prestigious Pepperdine University, where he majored in Political Science. During his tenure at Pepperdine University, his passion for helping others grew after securing a clinical position with a residential treatment center for juveniles with substance addictions. Post-graduation, Jonathan returned to Arizona and served as a residential manager for mentally and physically disabled homes.
Read More About Jonathan Roeder