Finding the right lawyer for your needs can seem like a daunting process, but, like any other consumer transaction, it is important to do your research.
At one point or another, many find themselves in a situation where the services of a good lawyer are needed. Whether it is handling a real estate transaction, setting up a business, or dealing with a family law issue, there are plenty of situations that require the experience and expertise of a good lawyer.
So, you need to find a competent lawyer
If you are looking for a lawyer to help you deal with a legal issue that has arisen in your life, you may be wondering how to find a lawyer and how to choose the right lawyer for your specific legal needs.
It is important to remember that the lawyer provides a service and, as a potential consumer of that service, can evaluate the services provided just as you would evaluate any other type of service you would like to purchase.
How to choose the best Attorney
The first step in the process of selecting the right lawyer is the research phase. Ideally, you want to start with the names of several lawyers, and just like buying other services, personal referrals are often the best place to start. Start compiling your list by asking for suggestions from friends, neighbors and business associates.
State bar associations are also good sources for finding lawyers who are trained in the field you need help with. Online resources can be another good source, and many such sources have the added benefit of providing consumer reviews, so you can see how others evaluate relationships with a particular Attorney
How do you know if your lawyer is good?
Once you have compiled a list of potential attorneys, you can begin the evaluation process. Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation, and as an informed consumer you should make full use of these.
Be prepared with a list of written questions and make notes during the consultation so you can then compare the lawyers on your list. Important questions to ask during this initial consultation include:
- Part (s) of expertise. You want to make sure the lawyer you hire has experience in the legal area where you need help. There are many practice areas in the legal field, and most lawyers tend to handle cases in specific areas of practice.
- Potential costs. Legal advice can become very expensive, so you know how much your lawyer will charge you. During the initial consultation, a lawyer can give you a ballpark assessment based on the facts of your case.
- Legal Committee. Some lawyers work on their own, while others have by-laws on their team or outsource some legal work to other lawyers. You want to make sure you know who will handle your file, as this will have an impact on both the quality and cost of the service you receive.
- Communication. How does a lawyer communicate with his clients? If you have a question, how should you communicate with them? What will their response time be? When each attorney handles multiple cases at a time, your case is a priority for you, and you should make sure the attorney you hire recognizes this and communicates with you in a timely manner.
Finally, not only do you want to get answers to questions like these, but you also want to make sure that you and the lawyer you have are a good fit when it comes to personality. Ask yourself, 'Am I at peace with this lawyer? Will I be comfortable asking him or her questions and bringing up issues about myself?
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