Why Location Matters

The general public might assume that once a person becomes an attorney, they can practice law in whatever location becomes available. If there is a client who needs representation, the attorney can just take the case if he or she has the capacity in their schedule to devote to this client, right? Well, sort of, but not really.

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??????????? Attorneys licensed to practice in Pennsylvania can practice in any county in the state.? However, it is not usually practical or advisable to do so.? This applies to both the attorney perspective and the client perspective.

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??????????? Clients probably want to hire an attorney whose practice is located in the county where the court action is filed or who practices regularly in that county.? Despite being in the same state, things can be handled differently from county to county. For instance, court processes to handle the same type of action in Cumberland County, Dauphin County, Lancaster County, Lebanon County, Perry County and York County can all be different, despite the fact that these counties are close to or even next to each other.? Attorneys want to be comfortable and confident that they know the local court rules so they can provide the best advice and service.

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??????????? Things such as travel time and how much court time will be involved are also considerations. You may live in Northumberland County and find an attorney in Cumberland County with an excellent Google rating and have confidence in their ability to handle your matter after talking with them. But if that attorney has to travel from Cumberland to Northumberland multiple times for your matter, those travel costs can quickly add up.? Those funds could possibly be put to better use in advancing the substance of your case.? If money is no object, then the travel cost may be worthwhile.

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??????????? Sometimes location is not as important.? For example, if you are engaged in the collaborative law process or mediation and both parties have committed to resolving their dispute outside of the court system, then knowledge of local court rules and procedures may not be an issue.? Or if the negotiation will be done remotely by video conference, then travel costs may not be an issue.

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??????????? If you live or work in the central Pennsylvania area, including Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey and surrounding communities and would like to discuss why location matters or any other family law or estate planning or administration issue, please contact our office for a free telephone consultation.