Finding a lawyer is more complicated than just picking a name out of the phonebook. It can make a world of difference in whether justice is done with your case. You should consider these six criteria to form the basis of your decision. They include:
- Experience and specialization in personal injury cases
- History of settlements and verdicts
- Activity in professional organizations and associations
- Client reviews and testimonials
- Acceptance of contingency fees
- Online presence
We’ll cover each of these criteria in detail with Gil Daley.
1. Experience and Specialization in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases are often complex. It’s essential to work with a lawyer who has experience with a wide variety of types because no two are the same. Gil fits this criterion. His practice includes:
- Vaccine injuries
- Personal injury
- Wrongful death
- Mediation
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical, dental, hospital and nursing home malpractice
- Dangerous and defective products
- Guardian ad Litem
According to his profile on Avvo.com, over two-thirds of Gil’s cases are personal injury with the remaining third in commercial real estate. Vaccine injuries figure prominently on the website and the site’s blog. It’s a safe bet to say that this criterion is well covered.
2. History of Settlements and Verdicts
Gil has been in practice for over 20 years. According to the Law Office of Gil L. Daley, II, PC website, that has translated into “countless successful cases.” It also includes 10 testimonials that appear to back up this statement which we’ll discuss in detail below. It’s worth mentioning that they include the full names of his clients.
The website includes a Results page which identifies several cases by name. Many feature big names like Home Depot, Medtronic, Inc., and ExxonMobil Corporation. It states that he has helped his clients get millions of dollars in settlements.
3. Activity in Professional Organizations and Associations
Gil has an impressive resume that features extensive participation in lawyer groups and other organizations. His bar admissions include:
- State Bar of Texas
- S. Court of Federal Claims
- S. District Court Northern District of Texas
- S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
- S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, pro hac vice
His professional associations and memberships include:
- Dallas Bar Association
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Tarrant Bar Association
- Global North Texas Volunteer Assisting with The U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program
- Fellow of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation
- Member of Gladney Center for Adoption “The Rough” Golf Tournament Planning Committee
- Member of National Adoption Day Planning Committee
- Member of Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of United States Court of Federal Claims Bar Association
- Member of Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association
His pro bono activities include:
- Legal Aid via the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
- Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
He has several awards to his credit too which include:
- Cambridge Who’s Who
- Elected to top one-third of 1 percent of Attorneys in Texas as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
- Selected Multiple Years by His Peers as a Top Attorney in Tarrant County
Gil has a BA in psychology from the University of Texas, Austin (1993). He received his law degree from South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas in 1996 where he was also a member of the Honorary Society, Phi Delta Phi. This criterion is more than covered.
4. Client Reviews and Testimonials
The firm’s website includes client testimonials. Also, he has a 4.3 out of 5.0 star rating on Facebook. His rating on Avvo.com is 6.6 which is good. The firm is an accredited business on the Better Business Bureau site with an A+ grade. He has a 4.6 out of 5.0 score on the Martindale.com site.
5. Acceptance of Contingency Fees
The firm is transparent when it comes to their willingness to work on a contingency basis. The website states, “We collect attorney’s fees only if we secure compensation for you.” Gil also offers a free initial consultation. He will take cases nationwide. However, his offices are located in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. You can check off this box.
6. Online Presence
Gil has an online presence on Facebook. The firm’s website also includes a blog that offers information on various legal issues. It appears to be the primary source of the social media feed. Neither one is very active, but we like the fact that he’s willing to share his knowledge and expertise.
Conclusion
The Law Office of Gil L. Daley, II, PC stands tall on five of the six criteria. It would be nice if he were more active online, but at least he has a presence. Some firms neglect what is becoming an important part of a potential client’s screening process. We would recommend discussing fees in detail even though he accepts contingent fees.
