Does an expert representation make a difference?    

In my years in practice, there are quite a number of times when I was asked if I handle other areas of law in which an immigrant may have interest. There are situations that I do take such as real estate closings, traffic citations, contract negotiations, and other simple and straightforward cases. But there are also other specific cases that I purposely do not accept such as criminal, matrimonial, and civil litigation all of which demands higher commitment as to time and professional skill. I find my immigration practice already busy enough that I do not have the time to train in another area of law. Immigrants must understand that not all lawyers are into general practice. Depending on their legal problem, they must retain a lawyer with the knowledge, skill, and competence for that specific issue. A clear example is when it involves personal injury.

In essence, a personal injury case is when one gets harmed by reason of the negligence of another, he has recourse before the courts to seek monetary damages or compensation. Cases such as medical malpractice, motor vehicular accidents, and employment-related injuries are some of the examples of personal injury law.

I am reminded of a case where an immigrant boy died after being hit by a government-owned truck because the driver failed to stop at the pedestrian crossing lane. As I do not practice in these type of cases, I referred them to a personal injury attorney. The family ultimately retained another attorney of similar expertise and I learned that they received a huge amount in monetary settlement. Or take the case of a kababayan health worker who was accused of groping and sexually abusing a female patient. I coordinated with a well-known criminal defense attorney in his behalf and eventually the case was dismissed. These two cases only illustrate the importance of retaining a specialized attorney for a specific legal problem.

You know you are in good hands when you know they are highly trained and skilled in that area of law. Hire a lawyer based on their expertise and not because of anything else. It may be a little bit expensive but it will be worth it.

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On the national holiday of America’s Independence Day, the whole nation witnessed the personification of evil brought about by the senseless act of shooting innocent men, women, and children. What was supposed to be a fun and joyful celebration turned out to be a day of mourning and sorrow as seven people died while several dozens were injured when a gunman opened fire at a parade. Gun violence in America is unabated and has turned out to be a national epidemic with no sense of urgency for its resolution. Selfish personal interests have only muddled the issue and while politicians are busy pontificating, people are scared and anxious where and when the next shooting will be. There is no safe or sacred place anymore. What we used to consider as safe places such as schools, malls, theaters, hospitals, outdoor events, supermarkets, even churches --all have been places where innocent blood was spilled because of gun violence. In the meantime, let us be careful and wary of our surroundings. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I tend to avoid crowded places. And if I find myself in them, I take the time to check where the exits are and where to possibly hide. This is not paranoia but rather just a matter of situational awareness and constant vigilance.