If you have a legal problem that needs professional attention, finding the right attorney is important. Some attorneys specialize in a particular law area. Others are more generalists.

For example, if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, you should hire a personal injury attorney. You will need an attorney who understands your claim and knows how to deal with insurance companies.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is a legal professional who is licensed to provide advice on legal matters and represent clients in court proceedings. A lawyer’s job is to help their clients understand their legal rights and obligations, and navigate the complexities of the law. Lawyers are also known as attorneys, solicitors, barristers, or, pejoratively, ambulance chasers.

Lawyers typically spend four years in undergraduate school and three or more in law school, followed by passing the bar exam. They may work in private practice or for the government. Private practice lawyers handle a range of cases for private individuals or businesses, while government attorneys work on issues that impact the entire community, such as environmental regulations and tax laws.

Lawyers spend much of their time at the office, meeting with their clients and other lawyers, and researching their cases. They may also need to travel to meet with clients or attend court hearings. They typically work long hours and must meet strict deadlines.

Practice areas

Lawyers can choose to specialize in one or more practice areas. The area of law that a lawyer specializes in determines the type of work they do and the clients they serve. Lawyers are also required to stay up to date with any changes in the laws or regulations that pertain to their specialty.

Choosing the right practice area can be difficult. There are many factors to consider, including strengths and weaknesses, interests, and pet peeves. For example, if you are not a good writer, maybe you should avoid a practice area that requires extensive writing. Alternatively, if you are nervous speaking in front of people, then maybe you should not pursue litigation.

In addition, many new areas of law are emerging, such as animal rights, data privacy, and the legalization of marijuana. These areas offer a wide variety of opportunities for lawyers. By staying current on new trends, attorneys can remain competitive in their field.

Fees

Whether you have a legal dispute with your bank or an issue related to divorce, child custody or the drafting of an estate plan, you may require the services of an attorney. But you should be aware of the fees charged by attorneys before seeking their advice.

Attorneys are required by their professional code of ethics to be fair in their charges and to make clear to clients what their fees are. There are three common fee arrangements: hourly rates, flat fees and contingency fees.

An hourly rate cost structure involves the attorney billing his or her client for time spent on the case. This arrangement can also include a retainer fee, which requires the attorney to receive a lump sum deposit from the client before starting work on the case. This deposit is then deducted from the final bill. Attorneys can also charge a flat fee for certain standard types of cases such as incorporation or estate planning.

Reputation

The reputation of an attorney is a critical factor to consider. While you can learn a lot about an attorney’s experience, skill and general demeanor from reading online reviews, it is best to meet with potential candidates to see if you have good personal chemistry.

Ask friends, family and business associates for references to attorneys they have used. Then, follow up with those referrals to find out who they hired and for what type of work, if they were satisfied with the representation, and whether they would recommend the lawyer.

Online databases such as Avvo provide a wealth of information about attorneys, including client reviews, bar data and disciplinary records. They can help you narrow your search to attorneys who are qualified and whose practice areas match your needs. Many attorneys offer free consultations. Others charge a fee. Some have sliding fees based on income. Make sure to understand how much each attorney charges before you make an appointment.