When someone contacts The Dorward Law Firm, they want more than legal knowledge. They want to know what will happen next, who will talk to the police, and how often they will hear from us. Our What to Expect video pulls back the curtain on what working with our firm looks like in real life, from the first phone call through ongoing communication.
In the video below, Attorney Shawn Dorward explains how we step in, how our staff supports you, and how we keep your rights front and center from the moment you retain us.
From the first call, we step in for you
Many people reach out to us while law enforcement is still investigating. They may already have a detective’s business card in their wallet and a knot in their stomach about what happens if that detective calls again. In the video, Shawn explains how we respond in that situation so you do not have to handle it alone.
As he puts it, “As far as when a client retains us, when they're just being investigated for criminal charges. I take over at that point in time.” That shift matters. Once you retain us, you have a clear point of contact and someone who steps between you and the stress of direct communication with investigators.
Shawn describes how we reach out to the police department and send a professional letter that clearly states our role and your rights: “We'll send over a very professional letter that we're representing this individual. He maintains his right to have representation, right to remain silent, any contact from this point moving forward, we're going to be the point of contact.”
That early step shows how we work day to day. We act quickly, we put your rights in writing, and we let law enforcement know we speak on your behalf.
Direct, professional communication with law enforcement
The video also gives you a sense of our communication style. Shawn describes the tone of those representation letters as clear and straightforward: “When we send those representation letters to law enforcement that we're the attorney of record in this matter, we're pretty direct. You're to communicate with us. You are not communicating with our client.”
That approach reflects how we handle difficult conversations in your case. We stay professional and respectful, yet we set firm boundaries. We send a message that your rights matter and that any contact goes through us. Shawn notes that law enforcement has obliged that direction: “They are no longer allowed to have any contact with my client at that point in time.”
We also stay alert for any attempt to bypass that process. As Shawn explains, “I always advise my clients in those situations that once we have contact with law enforcement, if at any point in time they attempt to reach out to you, let me know immediately.” That guidance tells you what to do, reduces guesswork, and reassures you that you do not have to manage those calls on your own.
The role our staff plays in your experience
The video does more than walk through legal steps. It also shows how our team works together behind the scenes. Shawn highlights how important our support staff is to the way we serve clients, especially in the early stages.
“Our support staff plays a very significant role with our interaction, our relationship with our clients,” he explains. “A lot of times that's the first point of contact.” That means when you call, you speak with someone who knows our process, understands what information we need, and treats you with respect from the first conversation.
Shawn also notes that our staff contributes throughout your case: “They're gathering some of this initial information when they're contacting our firm. You know, a lot of times they're helping me in preparation of paperwork to the courts, getting things filed. A lot of times clients will call the office for questions for me.”
From your perspective, that translates into a team that stays in touch, helps manage documents, and makes it easier for you to reach us when questions come up. You are not left wondering who to call or whether someone will pick up the phone.
Clear lines: who gives legal advice and why that matters
Strong teamwork only works well when everyone knows their role. The video makes that very clear. While our staff helps with communication and paperwork, legal advice always comes from the attorney.
Shawn draws that line in a simple way: “But as far as providing legal advice and things of that nature, that always comes from me.” For clients, this clarity brings peace of mind. You can trust that any guidance about your rights, charges, or decisions in your case comes directly from the lawyer leading your defense.
At the same time, you still have access to support when you need it. Shawn sums up the day-to-day rhythm this way: “It's just always having that constant communication, whether it's through me or staff. But our staff is always here to help our clients out in any way that they can.”
That balance—steady support and clear legal direction—shapes how we handle each case.
Why knowing what to expect changes the experience
When you face criminal charges or an active investigation, the unknown can feel overwhelming. The process itself may seem more frightening than the paperwork or court dates. Our goal, both in our daily work and in this video, is to replace some of that uncertainty with a clear picture of how we operate.
The video shows several things you can reasonably expect when you work with The Dorward Law Firm:
- Early, proactive involvement: Once you retain us, we step in to communicate with law enforcement and state your right to counsel and your right to remain silent.
- Firm advocacy with a professional tone: Our letters to investigators stay respectful, yet direct. We make sure they understand that communication goes through us.
- Accessible, team-based support: Our staff often serves as your first and frequent point of contact, helping with information, paperwork, and routing your questions.
- Attorney-led legal guidance: While staff supports your case, legal advice and strategy come from the attorney handling your matter.
- Ongoing communication: We encourage you to reach out if law enforcement contacts you and to call with questions as your case moves forward.
Knowing these steps in advance lowers the stress of reaching out for help. You can picture what happens after you call, how we communicate, and how we protect your rights in everyday interactions with the legal system.
Watch the video to see our process in action
Written descriptions can help, but seeing and hearing the process often makes it easier to imagine how it applies to your life. In the video above, you hear directly from Shawn about how we handle contact with law enforcement, how our staff supports you, and how we keep the lines of communication open.
If you want a clearer sense of what it feels like to work with our team, take a few minutes to watch. When you are ready to talk about your own situation, you can contact The Dorward Law Firm at (717) 429-0411 to schedule a free consultation and learn how these same principles apply to your case.