Our Lawyers & Professionals
Of-Counsel, Co-Counsel & Referrals
A key advantage of Nnaka & Associates, Chattered (“The Firm”) is our ability to unite, expand and team with other experienced legal professionals in other jurisdictions through referrals and vast network of co-counsel and of-counsel relationship across the United States consistent with local judicial rules. We nourish and maintain these relationships to meet our client’s expectations and serve their best interests regardless of their location. In effect, when circumstance dictate, and based on the peculiar needs of the client, facts, and “nitche” requirements, we can reach across the aisle, transfer or team up with appropriate professionals within or outside our primary jurisdiction or practice areas, using “of-counsel” or “co-counsel” agreement and tools permitted by the Rules. It is on this bedrock that our reputation as a “full service law firm” rests.
With this arrangement we are able to take cases referred to us by other legal professionals, and we are also able to leverage extensive professional network by referring potential client to other attorneys or different practice groups to further the best interest of our clients. When we determine that a referral, of-counsel or co-counsel arrangement will be a good fit, we enter into such agreement in line with local rules within the jurisdiction.
Here is a summary of how It works and what it means,
all of these serves the interests of our clients.
CO-COUNSEL
When we determine that a client’s case is unique or requires specialized skill and resources not within our in house protocols, we use co-counsel agreement as an effective way for clients and their attorneys to reap the benefits of working with another lawyer or form while leading or maintaining an active role in the matter.
Factors we consider include;
- Need for increased investigative resources.
- Assistance from attorneys with more or extensive experience in the specific area of practice.
- Reach expert witnesses not readily available.
- Maintaining role in the matter while client’s case is protected in specific areas by experienced legal professional.
This is a collaborative effort that requires active participation from all parties.
REFERRAL
There are times when workloads, investigative resources, conflicts of interest, time or geographical constraints etc. pose serious challenges to our ability to take a case or help a client. In such instances, and mindful of our commitments to the interest of our current, past, or potential clients, we generally may refer the matter to another firm or attorney as appropriate. We also accept such referrals from other firms or lawyers. The referral arrangement may be covered by an agreement in the interest of the client consistent with local rules.
OF-COUNSEL
Formalized arrangement between our firm and another attorney or firm in which the lawyer or firm service our clients without necessarily being a partner or associate in the firm constitutes of counsel relationship. We take this approach when we see a need for continuity and stability in a particular area of law, geographic location or needs of our client.