Patrick Waters | Bismarck Criminal Defense Lawyer

Accessibility

Working with Heartland Law Office, PC is more than a client-attorney transaction. It’s a partnership. I believe in being accessible and within reach of our clients 24/7. I make it my personal duty to return calls and correspondence promptly, while ensuring each and every client knows they are very important to us. My firm keeps a manageable caseload at all times in an effort to provide a higher standard of personalized service with in-depth research and due diligence towards educated, informed decisions. My team works closely with all clients to provide honest, friendly service and an overall positive legal experience with favorable results, no matter what the nature of your case may be. Clients will find our office to be incredibly knowledgeable in their respective specialties while proving qualified to offer sound advice and guidance every step of the way.

Affordability

It seems very few law firms tout their low rates these days. We’re on a mission to change that. I believe in helping those in my community and not taking advantage in their time of need. Although there are inevitable costs involved when hiring an attorney, it is often far less expensive than not doing so. Acting alone without proper legal counsel will almost always lead to costly problems and unsavory case results.. Additionally, we are always available for free or low-cost consultations. Heartland Law Office will work with you to ensure you receive top-notch legal guidance & services.

Open & Honest Representation

Here at Heartland Law Office, PC, we believe honesty is the single highest priority in our partnership with clients. As an attorney, it is my sworn duty to act in the best interest of my clients within the bounds of the law. For some, that comes in the form of guidance, consultation, courtroom representation, education or even hand holding. When working with us, you’ll always hear the complete and honest truth, regardless of whether or not you want to. With over a decade of legal experience in the courtroom and on the professional stage, Heartland Law Office is your best advocate. However, not every case was meant to be won and you can depend on us for an honest assessment, no matter what. In exchange for our unprecedented transparency, we ask our clients to do us the same courtesy. Together, we will ensure success, one way or another.

The Client’s Right

Simply put, clients deserve more. As previously mentioned, we feel the term “client” exudes a distance and lack of personal relationship. While that may be acceptable for other law firms and businesses, Heartland Law Office, PC believes in partnerships and genuine dedication to those who choose to work with us. You have the right to access the entirety of our knowledgeable staff. You have the right to be treated with the highest level of honesty, confidentiality, respect and compassion. You deserve an attorney with you best interests in mind–someone who cares about your well-being on a personal level. You also have the right to know the specifics of pricing and services before signing-on, with detailed explanations of each. Many injury attorneys act as though they are above such basic customer service practices. I beg to differ and welcome you to experience what working with a true legal partner should be.

If you have any questions, please feel free contact me directly by calling 701-751-1744 or 701-818-5228, or stop by our office any time.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I have assisted several grandparents to get guardianships of their grandchildren who they were raising. Grandparents' rights are really not something that North Dakota recognizes, so for me, these results were amongst the better moments in the past couple of years. Of course, I tried a number of cases as well during that time, so picking one case is very difficult.

How did you build a successful practice?
A combination of developing a reputation in the community as a good litigator, networking with other attorneys and other professionals in the area, a continual study in the areas of law in which I practice, hard work, and patience.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Someone who will take the time to listen to their legal issues and will return calls is just as important as being extremely knowledgeable in areas of law. Really, customer service is something that is lacking in the legal profession.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
This is important to vary degrees. Specifically, it’s important to know the local judges so you can best inform your clients as to what to expect from the decision-maker in their case.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
Whether the general facts that are being given to me may rise to the level of bringing a lawsuit or if there are decent defenses if the client is facing a lawsuit or criminal charges.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
If there are upcoming hearings in the near future, contact information for the client, names of co-defendants and witnesses or other persons who may testify at trial and a basic description of what the client’s issue is that caused them to call.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I have more litigation (trial work) experience than the majority of lawyers in my community and I have the ability to offer more client-focused representation.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I like to play tennis and golf, ride my motorcycle, read, and spend time with my family.

Are you involved in your community?
I regularly volunteer for local non-profits and social service providers. I have served on a number of boards of directors for non-profits and I regularly take reduced-fee cases and strive to assist all persons in having access to the legal system.

• •        Member, American Bar Association (2008–Present)
  •        Member, State Bar of North Dakota (2016–Present)
  •        Member, National State’s Attorney’s Association (2018–2019)
  •        Member, North Dakota State’s Attorney’s Association (2018–2019).
  •        Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (2012–2018)
  •        Board Member, Salvation Army (2017–2018)
  •        Treasurer, Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals (2015–2016)
  •        Board Member, Eau Claire County Alliance Against Substance Abuse (2015–2016)
  •        Board Member, Wisconsin State Public Defender Affirmative Action Advisory Committee (2015–2016)        
  •        Member, State Bar of Wisconsin (2008–2016)
  •        Board Member, Mental Health Court Treatment Team Member (2013–2016)
  •        Volunteer, Ward County Legal Clinic (2016–2017)
  •        Board Member, Criminal Justice Coordinating Committees of Buffalo and Pepin (2013–2016)
  •        Volunteer, Eau Claire County Legal Clinic (2013–2016)
  •        Volunteer, Dane County Legal Clinic (2008–2013)
  •        Director, Dane County (WI) Bar Association Board (2009–2012)
  •        Mock Trial Coach, LaFollette High School (2012)

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