7 Things I Wish I'd Known About Human Trafficking Lawyers Before Hiring One

In the legal labyrinth that surrounds human trafficking, hiring a competent lawyer is a critical decision, one I wish I had been better prepared for at the outset. This article is predicated on my own experiences and observations and aims to provide some key insights that I wish I had before engaging a legal representative in this complex field.

• Specialization is Imperative:

  When entering the human trafficking stratosphere, you need an attorney who specializes in this field. The legal ramifications and procedures involved in human trafficking cases are exceptionally intricate, requiring an intimate understanding of international and domestic laws, the United Nations protocols, and specific state laws.

  Much like mathematics' Pigeonhole Principle, which asserts that if more items are placed into containers than the number of containers available, at least one container must contain more than one item; it is possible for a lawyer to be proficient in several areas, but it is unlikely to be an expert in all. An attorney well-versed in the nuances of human trafficking law can provide the most effective representation.

• Experience is More Than Just Years:

  While it is tempting to lean towards lawyers with a lengthy timeframe of practicing law, experience in these cases is not merely defined by years. In the context of statistical probability, it is more akin to the Law of Large Numbers, where the average of the results obtained from a large number of trials should be close to the expected value. Similarly, an attorney who has dealt with a substantial number of human trafficking cases is more likely to foresee challenges and devise effective strategies.

• The International Factor:

  Human trafficking is a global issue, crossing physical borders and legal jurisdictions. It is therefore essential that the attorney you hire possesses knowledge of international human trafficking laws and has experience dealing with cases that transcend national borders.

  This is akin to understanding Globalization Theory in economics, where the spread of practices, relations, consciousness, and organization of social life in time and space, across national borders, impacts the legal landscape. Lawyers who comprehend this interaction can navigate the convoluted terrain of international law more effectively.

• The Human Element:

  Dealing with human trafficking cases often involves trauma and severe emotional distress for the victims. Lawyers in this field need to be empathetic and sensitive, requiring qualities that echo Emotional Intelligence theories. These speak to one's ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and those of others, a crucial skill set for any attorney dealing with such emotionally charged cases.

• The Network:

  A lawyer's network and connections can significantly impact the outcome of a case. This is reminiscent of Social Network Theory, which posits that social entities are connected by relationships of varying levels. Lawyers with established connections to NGOs, law enforcement agencies, and support groups can work collaboratively to secure better results.

• Technological Proficiency:

  With the advent of technology, human trafficking has evolved into an even more complex issue. Cryptocurrencies, dark web activities, encrypted communication channels - these are all tools traffickers now use. Therefore, a competent lawyer should also be well versed in understanding and handling cybercrimes and digital forensic evidence, much like a scientist adapting to new research methodologies.

• The Cost-Benefit Analysis:

  Lawyer fees can be exorbitant. Hiring a lawyer without considering the cost-effectiveness can lead to financial strain without any guaranteed success. Just like in economics, where Cost-Benefit Analysis is used to evaluate the feasibility of a decision by accounting for its total costs and benefits, similar scrutiny should be applied when hiring a human trafficking lawyer.

In conclusion, hiring a human trafficking lawyer is a critical decision that needs careful consideration and research. It requires an understanding that traverses legal, social, economic, scientific, and emotional domains. It is my hope that these insights will prove beneficial to those embarking on the journey I once undertook.

When entering the human trafficking stratosphere, you need an attorney who specializes in this field.