How to Choose the Right Lawyer for You
It can be hard to find a lawyer that is right for your circumstances. Is the attorney knowledgeable about the type of law you need? Do they have experience in your area? What is their price range? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a lawyer. This article will discuss how to choose the best lawyer for you, and help you get the best professional legal help available.
Choosing a lawyer with the right specialty
Choosing the right type of lawyer for your specific needs is crucial. For example, if you were in an accident and want to sue for damages related to health care costs, then you should find a personal injury attorney. If you're seeking assistance because you're going through a divorce, then it's best to find a family law attorney.
Some lawyers are generalists who cover all types of cases and legal problems. These lawyers may be appropriate in some cases, especially if you are in a rural area or a small town with few specialized lawyers available. In other circumstances, it's best to find an attorney who specializes in the area of law you need help with.
This chart includes common legal issues and the right type of lawyer to address them.
Finding an attorney with the right experience and credentials
Make sure that the attorney you choose is qualified. State bar associates keep public records about lawyers in their state. You can use this information to make sure your lawyer is licensed and to look for any complaints or disciplinary actions taken against them. Some questions you can ask your potential attorney to make sure they are qualified include:
How many years have they been practicing law?
What is their area of expertise (e.g., criminal, divorce, immigration)?
Do they work with a team or do all the legal work themselves? How experienced are the other attorneys that work with them?
If possible, try to speak with people who already know a firm's reputation before making a final decision. You may be able to find additional information on the firm's website, or even on Google or Yelp reviews.
Choosing a lawyer near you
It's often helpful to choose a lawyer who is familiar with your geographical region. The right lawyer will be familiar with local laws and have experience in your particular court district. Having a lawyer nearby is also helpful if you prefer to meet with your attorney in person.
Of course, this depends on the nature of your legal problem. For example, if you are filing a lawsuit due to an injury from a product manufactured overseas, then your lawyer will need experience with international law. If you are dealing with a contract that is governed by out-of-state law, you might consider finding a lawyer from that state.
Choose an attorney that will be attentive and responsive
Make sure your attorney will have the time and capacity to work on your case. Many lawyers are very busy, so ask your lawyer how quickly they will be able to start work on your case or project. Your lawyer should also be able to provide an estimated timeline for completion. Keep in mind that things change frequently in the legal world, and unexpected issues arise all the time. But an experienced lawyer will know roughly how long it will take to resolve your legal issue.
Additionally, make sure your lawyer can communicate in the way you feel most comfortable, whether that's by phone, email, or text. Also, ask about office hours and make sure it is possible to get in touch when it's convenient for you. If you work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, and those are the only hours your lawyer is available, this could lead to delays in your case as you struggle to find time to communicate with your lawyer.
Find a lawyer who can provide a cost estimate
A good lawyer will be able to give you an estimate of the cost for your case so that there are no surprises. Lawyers may quote prices in terms of billable hours, or offer flat or percentage fees depending on the type of legal help you need.
Attorney's fees generally include costs such as research and investigation, drafting legal documents or pleadings, attending depositions or hearings, and preparing witnesses for testimony. You may also need work done by experts who must be hired separately. For example, a medical witness might be needed to establish the severity of an injury.
The important thing to remember is to make sure your lawyer provides a thorough estimate of all the legal costs involved in your case or legal issue. You should choose a lawyer who is upfront about costs and fees.
Use your instincts
When you speak to potential lawyers, take the time to get a feel for their personality. You'll be working closely with your lawyer over an extended period, so you should be comfortable with them both professionally and personally.
If there is any tension or uneasiness during the first meeting, it could be a sign that this is not the right lawyer for you. It's important to pick a lawyer who you can communicate with easily, and whom you can trust. Experience and reputation are important, but you should always trust your instincts about who you will work well with.
Free tools and resources to help find a lawyer
There are many free resources available online to help you find an attorney. These resources include:
State bar associations: State bar associations provide directories for lawyers licensed in their states. Bar associates often provide additional resources, like certificates that signal a lawyer's specialty. To find the directory for your state, check out this link from the American Bar Association.
Online directories: Use online directories like FindLaw or Justia to find qualified lawyers that will suit your needs. These resources are usually available at no cost to you.
Conclusion
You should choose a lawyer that fits your needs. The different factors to consider can make the decision difficult, but it is important to find an attorney who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don't be afraid to interview several lawyers before deciding on one. Once you've found someone, don't forget to maintain good communication with your attorney so they can provide the best service possible.
