Hiring an attorney can be a big decision. You want to make sure you have someone who is an expert in your field and whom you can communicate well with.
The best way to do that is to get recommendations. Ask around to see if anyone can give you some names.
Get a Recommendation
When looking for an attorney, start by getting recommendations from friends and family. Ask who they hired, for what type of service, and if they were happy with the results.
Once you have a list of attorneys, look them up on LinkedIn to see what kind of work they do and how their practice is run. You may also want to consider what their reputation is like in the community.
At the end of the day, you should hire an attorney that makes you feel confident and comfortable with their abilities. If something about the interaction doesnât sit right with you, go with your gut instinct and find another candidate.
Get a Free Consultation
The right attorney will be able to assess your case and give you their initial thoughts on how they would proceed with your case. However, you should not expect to walk away from a free consultation with definitive legal advice about how to proceed. Most attorneys who charge for consultations do so because they value their time and believe that their advice is worth more than a few minutes of someone price shopping their services.
In addition, charging for a consultation ensures that the lawyer will not be meeting with the âwrong kind of clientsâ (i.e., those who have a case that is not within their area of expertise). Meeting with the right attorney can save you money in the long run.
Donât Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you are dealing with a complex legal issue, it is important to have an experienced professional on your side. Whether you are in need of a personal injury attorney or need to get your business set up properly, an attorney will provide you with valuable guidance and support.
Lawyers spend years studying the law, its processes and procedures. They will be able to assess your case and give you an idea of how it will go based on their experience.
In addition, they will likely have a number of life experiences that could be beneficial in your case. This is why it is important to ask questions about their background and experience. They may have worked on a similar case to yours in the past or they may have a unique understanding of your situation.
Look for Experience
If you are seeking legal advice, you should evaluate attorneys the same way that you would evaluate any other service provider. This includes asking for referrals, requesting free consultations and understanding their fees.
Ideally, you will find an attorney who has experience with the type of law that you need help with. You also want to ensure that they donât have so many cases that they are unable to give your case the attention it needs.
In addition to experience, you will want to be sure that the attorney is personable and makes you feel comfortable. This is an important part of the relationship and can make the difference between getting the help you need or being frustrated with your attorneyâs inability to handle your case.
Ask About Fees
It is important to ask about fees when you are meeting with potential attorneys. Most attorneys are open to negotiating their fees and methods of payment. For example, many lawyers will accept a retainer fee that allows you to pay monthly instead of upfront.
The most common type of fee arrangement is an hourly rate, but this is not always the best option. It is important to find out how much time your lawyer is likely to spend on your case, and if any of the work will be performed by paralegals or assistants. You should also find out if there are any out-of-pocket expenses, such as photocopying or travel fees. If so, these costs are usually billed separately. Attorneys are required to disclose this information to clients.