Finding the right attorney can be a daunting task. You want to make sure you have the best person representing you in court, but how can you be sure? There are several things you can do to make an informed decision and find the lawyer who is right for you.
Ask Around for Referrals
Your friends and family can be invaluable when you’re looking for a good attorney. If someone you know has needed legal help in the past, ask them how they found their lawyer and if they were happy with their services. Other times, your network is large enough that someone may know of an attorney who specializes in what you’re looking for. Legal representatives at DSSLaw suggest that you should look for an attorney who is well-connected in your community and has a reputation for discretion and honesty. Also, always opt for a lawyer who is an expert in the area in which you need help – personal injury lawyers, family law attorneys, criminal defense lawyers, etc.
However, many attorneys also have a general practice that covers many areas of law not covered by their specialty. Lawyers are usually either “of counsel” or “in-house.” Of counsel, lawyers are hired for smaller cases and are often associates working independently in the law firm’s office space. In-house attorneys work for a specific company or organization and may have an opportunity to represent the interests of their employer.
Your Local Bar Association Can Help
Many bar associations have online directories that list lawyers by location and professional background. Lawyers who are members of the association are required to meet certain ethical standards, so if they are placed in this directory, then you know that you can trust them to be reputable.
Also, check with the bar association to see when complaints were made against a lawyer. If there are several, then you may want to opt for someone else.
Do Your Research Online
The Internet is a valuable resource when you’re in the midst of a legal crisis. There are tons of online directories that contain information about attorneys, and some even provide in-depth profiles with client recommendations. Many law firms even have their own websites, complete with staff profiles and case results. You can look for the right lawyer by searching for their name or location on sites like Google, Yelp!, Superpages, etc.
Do a Background Research
When looking into an attorney’s background, it is often helpful to start with independent sources that do not have any ulterior motives in helping you find the perfect one. For example, you can use the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see how competitive an area is for lawyers. Also, look into your lawyer’s professional history. You can find out where they went to school and what organizations they are a part of on their own website or through other online directories.
You can also search for former clients and look for their reviews to get a sense of what they are like. If you don’t have time to check out multiple reviews, look for any that specifically mention the area in which you need legal help, as these can help find lawyers who are sought after because of their qualifications.
Be Prepared to Interview Several
Don’t be afraid to ask your potential lawyers questions about how they work. You should be sure to get all of the information you need before you decide who to hire, and conducting several interviews can help you find the right fit. During this time, consider what you need from a lawyer and make a list of questions to ask them about their experience before making your final decision.
Knowing what you need from an attorney will help you find the right fit! Ask them questions about how they work, how long their cases take on average, and what kinds of strategies they use. It’s also important that you are comfortable with your choice, or else it may be difficult to communicate effectively.
Lawyers have different styles of practice – some are aggressive, some are litigators, who spend a good deal of their time in the courtroom, while others work more behind-the-scenes and do things like reviewing legal documents or conferring with clients. Come prepared to see how you feel when you meet the lawyer in person.
Finding the right lawyer can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. By asking around for referrals, doing your research, and interviewing several candidates, you’ll be able to find the lawyer who is perfect for you. Remember to consider what you need from an attorney before making your final decision, and be prepared to ask them questions about their experience. Knowing what you need will help you find the right fit!
