Whether you’re facing a criminal charge, or need a lawyer to help you with a personal injury lawsuit, you want the best attorney for your situation. Finding a good one can be a challenge, but there are things you can do to make sure you’re hiring the right person.
First, you should verify a lawyer’s license to practice law. This can be done by checking their status with the Better Business Bureau or your state bar association.
Experience
When you are facing a legal issue, you need a reliable and experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal system. You may need an attorney for a divorce, custody battle or criminal case.
The first step is to conduct a thorough search for attorneys in your area. You can do this by asking friends and family for referrals, or you can look at lawyer directories such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell.
You also can search online for attorney reviews, bar data, disciplinary records and other information about attorneys. You can use this information to help you find an attorney with the right experience for your case.
Make a list of the top candidates and then contact them to set up a consultation appointment. It’s important to talk to each of them personally and get a feel for their personalities and chemistry with you.
Reputation
One of the most important aspects of any business is its reputation. Everything from your product to your company culture influences how people perceive you and your brand. In addition, your reputation is what sets you apart from the competition.
The best way to judge a law firm is by their record of delivering excellent legal services for their clients. To get an idea of how successful your local firm is, look at their Martindale-Hubbell peer rating. This system rates attorneys based on their legal ability and ethical standards, with a “V” rating indicating an attorney who has received the coveted A grade from their peers. The most impressive ranking is AV Preeminent, which is the highest rating a law firm can achieve. A top notch AV attorney will be your go-to legal counsel when you need a seasoned professional to make good on your legal needs. The best attorneys in town will also be able to help you navigate the legal quagmire that is your family law case.
Fees
Attorney fees vary depending on a number of factors, including the state in which you live, the type of case, and the experience level of the lawyer. Typically, attorneys charge between $100 and $400 per hour.
The cost of living in a given area also plays a role in attorney pricing. Attorneys in metropolitan areas often charge higher fees than attorneys in small towns.
Your attorney’s fee structure should be clear and communicated in writing as required by law or court rules. You should also ask about additional charges such as filing fees, photocopying costs, telephone calls, paralegal’s time, messengers, serving papers, witness fees, and reasonable travel and transportation expenses.
In most cases, the fee arrangement your lawyer chooses should be enforceable by a court. Exceptions may arise, however, if the fee is unreasonably low or unenforceable by ethics rules or other legal or court cases.
Insurance
The insurance industry is a thriving and lucrative business. Companies take your money and invest it, doubling or tripling the amount you put down every year.
When you need to file an insurance claim, your insurer has a duty to compensate you properly and in a timely manner. They also owe you an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
A competent attorney will take the time to explain your insurance policy in a way you can understand. In addition, they can advise you on the most cost-effective and efficient ways to bring your claim to a successful close. They may also be able to point you in the direction of other resources that will aid you in your quest for financial relief from an insurance company who deserves your business.