Part 1
HOW TO SELECT A LAWYER
One of the questions I am asked most often is:
“Why are you a better choice than the lawyers with the flashy TV commercials, billboards, catchy slogans, and fancy phone numbers?”
That’s a fair question.
Today, choosing a lawyer can be confusing. Years ago, attorney advertising was prohibited and illegal. Lawyers built their reputations through experience, results, referrals, and service. Clients quickly learned who was competent and who wasn’t.
Today, consumers are bombarded with advertising. If you believed every commercial, you might expect luxury hotel accommodations at a Motel 6.
After more than 50 years of practicing law, I have learned that the details truly matter. The difference between lawyers often comes down to three things:
Experience. Integrity. Ethics.
Many clients who come to me after working with another attorney immediately notice the difference. My goal is simple: provide personal attention, honest advice, and strategic guidance designed to maximize your recovery and protect your rights.
If you don’t feel you’re receiving that level of service, you should find a lawyer who provides it.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Before asking who your lawyer should be, ask yourself:
Do I even need a lawyer?
Then ask another important question:
Have I planned ahead and selected one before a crisis occurs?
I meet many people who can name their plumber, electrician, mechanic, and dentist—but cannot tell me the name of their lawyer.
That usually means they have never considered the issue.
Finding a lawyer is not something you should leave until you urgently need one. As the saying goes:
“People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.”
I encourage everyone to identify a qualified attorney before an accident, arrest, or legal emergency occurs.
Not everyone needs a lawyer. However, before signing anything or speaking with an insurance company, call for a FREE Confidential Consultation.
If I believe you don’t need an attorney, I will tell you so. If I cannot help you, I will personally direct you to someone who can. After more than 30 years in the CV, I know the best lawyers, and am happy to point people in the right direction….honoring Rotary’s “Service Above Self”.
Today I intentionally limit my caseload so I can provide personal attention to every client.
Calls are answered the old-fashioned way: by Me, not a secretary
Why Experience Matters
A good accident lawyer does far more than file paperwork or negotiate with an insurance adjuster.
A good lawyer:
- Investigates the case
- Preserves evidence
- Identifies all available insurance coverage
- Helps clients obtain proper medical care
- Protects clients from insurance company tactics
- Evaluates settlement offers
- Prepares every case as if it may go to trial
- Guides clients through one of the most stressful periods of their lives
- What matters is not marketing—it’s experience, credibility, and who will actually handle your case. Choose a lawyer known by judges, respected by peers, and trusted by former clients—not one you recognize from a billboard. A $1,000,000 settlement is great—if that’s what the case is actually worth. But if your case is worth $2,000,000 and your lawyer undervalued it…you lose! In many situations, Arbitration or Mediation can lead to a faster, more practical, and far more cost-effective resolution.
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40 Top Lawyer | 5-Star | 10.0 Superb | PI | DUI | Prestigious Career Awards | 10 Man of the Year | 5 Dale Gribow Days | 40 Who’s Who | PS LIFE “TOP LAWYER “ 2025-26, for 15 consecutive years | recipient of the highest confidential gold standard judge and career peer ratings from the most respected legal rating publications including Google | Justia | Nolo | Lawyers.com | Martindale “AV” Bar Register of Pre-eminent Lawyers, Client Champion Award ’25 | Avvo Client Choice Award ’25 | Mr. Charity – “recognizing dozens of legal/philanthropic awards, signifying “THE BEST”.
Practice built on referrals, not advertising | Dale personally answers all calls, never a secretary. | You don’t need a lawyer until you do—so save 760-837-7500 for a rainy day.
