The task of finding a reputable, knowledgeable, trustworthy lawyer for your specific case can be a daunting undertaking. It’s not as easy as looking someone up and hoping that they’re the right fit for you. It takes patience and persistence and for you both to be equally invested in the matter.
It’s not a wise idea to simply hire the first person you meet because you may come to find that you regret your decision once you dive deeper into the process. You not only need to be on the same page with your attorney, but you want to make sure that your personalities mesh nicely as well. So, how exactly do you find the right lawyer? Follow the suggestions below.
Search by Expertise
What will help you out the most when you search for the right lawyer is to narrow it down by expertise and area of practice. For instance, if you’re in a car crash, then it’s in your best interest to find out more about car accident lawyers in your vicinity. You don’t want to hire someone who knows nothing about this situation or the laws given your circumstances. Keep in mind that there are a vast variety of types of law to consider, including to name a few:
- Bankruptcy law
- Criminal law
- Family law
- Personal injury
- Employment law
Meet with & Interview Potential Candidates
You not only want to make sure you have someone with the right background and expertise but that it’s also an attorney who you find appealing to work with. It’s in your best interest to ensure you truly take the time to meet with and interview potential candidates for the job. Make appointments with prospects and visit their office and have a conversation with them regarding your situation. Prepare for every interview with a list of questions and concerns that have been on your mind so that you can use this information to help you make a final decision.
Review Each Attorney’s Website
Find the right lawyer for your individual case by spending time reviewing each attorney’s website. Doing so will help you to get a better feel for the type of law they practice and what their qualifications are. There will likely be a FAQ page that should help to answer any of your initial questions and allow you to determine if you’re on the right track. You should also make it a point to read through the client reviews and see what other people’s experiences have been with this lawyer and the firm. Additionally, check out any social media profiles your list of potential attorneys may have so you can get to know them better.
Ask Friends & Family Members
One of the best ways to find and hire the right lawyer for your case is to gather recommendations from friends and family members. You don’t have to dive into details about your situation if you don’t want to, but at least try to get their opinion about who they might know in the area or have heard positive remarks about. It’s likely that you’ll also find this person to be a good fit if someone who you know and trust gave you their name. They may also point you to someone they know that has worked with a reputable attorney in the past and can offer up some valuable insights.
Understand the Billing Process
The reality is that hiring an attorney isn’t cheap and you should always be prepared for the financial burden it may cause you. You can find the right attorney for the job by creating a budget for yourself and also understanding each candidate’s billing process. Be glad to know that some may only require payment from you if you lose the case. Ask specific questions and gather details about what they need from you upfront, during the process and after so you aren’t caught off guard. What you don’t want is to be in the dark about the cost and end up with a large bill you can’t afford to pay.
Take Your Time
Finding the right lawyer for your case is a process and could take a while before you locate a winner. Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to do your due diligence and research before committing to hiring someone. This is one decision you don’t want to rush into because if you select a poor choice, then you may end up having a lot of regrets in the end. While it may not be an easy feat and will cause you a little bit of stress along the way, you should never make a decision on a whim or because you feel pressured to do so.
Go with Your Gut
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and no one else can make a selection for you. You can find the right lawyer for your case by gathering all the facts and then listening to what your gut is telling you. You should have a good feeling about someone in particular once you go through all the steps and actually meet with each person. Instead of coming to a conclusion on the spot, give yourself time to think and sleep on it before you put down any money or sign a contract. What’s most important is that you feel comfortable working with this person and sharing intimate and sensitive details about your case with them. Avoid making excuses for the attorney and instead, have high expectations and confirm they meet all of them before you commit.
Conclusion
Use this guide to help you find and secure the right lawyer for your case. You’ll feel much better about who you pick when you actually take the time to do your homework and collect more data so you can make a sound decision. You’ll thank yourself later on for all the time and energy you put into the vetting process, regardless of the final outcome. Do your best narrowing it down and then have the confidence in yourself and your attorney that you can have a successful working relationship.
