Can You See How Many Cases a Lawyer Has Won?

In the digital age, transparency and access to information are paramount. With the rise of the internet, many aspects of our personal and professional lives have become accessible to the public. For those looking to hire a lawyer, knowing their track record may be crucial in making a decision. But can you see how many cases a lawyer has won?

The simplest method for finding out a lawyer’s track record of wins and losses is by speaking directly with them, as some attorneys maintain and readily share this information.

How to Check How Many Cases a Lawyer Has Won

Publicly Accessible Court Records: 

Most countries have a system of maintaining court records, which are often available for public access. In the U.S., for example, federal court cases are cataloged on the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. This database lets one view a particular attorney’s involvement in federal cases. However, there are a few points to consider:

• Volume vs. Outcome: While you can see the cases an attorney has been involved in, it might not always be clear if they ‘won’ the case, especially if it was settled out of court.

• Scope: PACER only covers federal cases. You’d need to check with individual court systems for state or local cases, which can be time-consuming.
• Cost: While these records are public, a fee might be associated with accessing them.

Learn More: How Many Cases Does a Lawyer Have at Once

Bar Association Records:

Bar Associations, the professional bodies that regulate and support attorneys, can sometimes be a resource. Some provide basic information about an attorney’s disciplinary record, if any.

• Limited Insight: However, these associations often need detailed records on the number of cases an attorney has won or lost.
• Reliability: Any disciplinary information would be accurate and reliable, measuring an attorney’s professional conduct.

Law Firm Websites and Profiles:

Many lawyers and law firms highlight significant website wins as a testament to their expertise and experience.

• Marketing Aspect: Remember, these websites are promotional tools. They’re more likely to spotlight successes rather than losses or challenges.
• Case Summaries: Some lawyers provide summaries of cases they’ve handled, offering insight into the complexity and variety of issues they’ve tackled.

Legal Directories and Review Platforms:

Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and others allow clients to review and rate attorneys. While these reviews may not precisely count wins and losses, they provide a general sense of a lawyer’s capabilities and client satisfaction.

• Subjectivity: Client reviews are personal experiences that might not accurately reflect an attorney’s expertise.
• Credibility: Look for platforms that verify their reviews to avoid potential biases or fake ratings.

The Complex Nature of ‘Winning’:

Understanding the legal landscape requires acknowledging that ‘winning’ a case isn’t always black and white.

• Settlements: Many cases are settled out of court. A settlement is a ‘win’ depending on the perspective and the desired outcome.
• Nature of Practice: Some attorneys work in fields where cases rarely go to trial, so they might have fewer ‘wins’ in the courtroom but many successful resolutions elsewhere.

My Opinion

Getting an idea of an attorney’s track record through various means is possible, but getting an exact count of wins is challenging. It’s essential to look beyond simple win-loss metrics and consider each case’s complexity, nature, and context. When choosing an attorney, consider their expertise, reputation, and client feedback, and don’t solely rely on numbers. Remember, every case is unique, and past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.