Have you found yourself with a court case and not sure how to find the right attorney. Maybe you're friends don't have experience with this specific type of case, and they don't know where to point. Or maybe you're looking for a lawyer that you can establish a long-term business relationship with. Keep reading to learn more.
A good tip if you're looking to bring on a lawyer is to make sure you thoroughly investigate whether or not a certain lawyer will be a good fit. It's generally a good idea to go over a few different lawyers at a time and compare them to each other.
Define your case before seeing a lawyer. Do you really require a lawyer? For example, a lawyer is needed if you're charged with an offense, have a lawsuit coming up or if you're in a divorce. You may also need a lawyer's expert advice on a financial matter or a business matter.
A lawyer who specializes in a specific issue will be an advantage for you. Specialized lawyers can be more expensive but these lawyers have extensive experience with cases like yours. You should avoid lawyers who spend most of their revenue on promoting their services and rely on their good reputation and results instead.
Be skeptical if a lawyer wants you to pay a sizable retainer in order to take your case. Make sure that you are going to be refunded for any money that isn't used if you do put up a retainer. You're probably better off shopping around for lawyers whose retainer fees aren't quite so large.
When you think about hiring a specialized lawyer, do you worry about the associated increase in fees? Well, what are you willing to pay for a positive outcome? Consider the cost of losing! Also consider that the savings in time of a specialist over a generalist will save you money, lowering the total bill.
Keep a paper trail. Document all conversations and meetings with your lawyer. Take note of all questions asked, as well as their answers and record all arrangements and discussions of fees and charges. Lawyers are only human and make mistakes. Give yourself a layer of protection with excessive record keeping.
Be sure you properly communicate with your lawyer. Make sure your lawyer is making progress and ask if you can do anything to help out. Doing this will help you win your case.
Use a legal referral service to find an attorney. These types of services can aid you in locating a good lawyer. Find out first what criteria they use in determining which lawyer to recommend; some do more screening than others. Some use state bar standard to determine whether lawyers are adequate. Look at their qualifications to pick the referral service that works best for you.
Do not select the first lawyer you see in the yellow pages or directory search. Find a lawyer that fits your needs and is right for your claim. Avoid ambulance chasers. They do not have your best interests in mind and are not concerned with winning the case for your needs.
Make sure to discuss payment with any attorney you are thinking about using. Some are paid by the hour and others may charge you a fixed rate. Think ahead of time about what you are most comfortable with (or if it even really matters to you). Talk the lawyer about your preferences and see if they would be willing to work with you.
Keep tabs on what your lawyer is doing, and be sure you understand any documents filed in your name or any other action your lawyer takes on your behalf. Always make note of discussions and agreements you make with your lawyer so that, if there is ever any question later, you will be able to refer to your notes to see whether or not you gave permission for a specific action.
Don't pick a lawyer based on an advertisement. You may be interested in someone that goes by "Justice Man" or "Strongarm," but those personas are just to get your attention and your money. Many of these lawyers are compensating for their lack of professional skills. It's always best to do some research on any lawyer before you choose one, and to avoid relying on billboards, radio, magazine and television ads.
If you hire a lawyer, you do not like, you have the right to end the relationship with him. Just remember you will still have to pay him for the services he has rendered. Furthermore, if he was representing you on a here contingency basis, he may be entitled to part of the proceeds once your case has been resolved.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, consider representing yourself. Find a lawyer who is willing to help you prepare a good defense and give use some useful advice. Some lawyers will help you build a solid defense and bill you for a the few hours they spent working with you.
Now that you're aware of what it takes to find a good attorney, get to shopping! With the tips you've learned, you should find it fairly easy to locate the right attorney for your case. You can now share this knowledge so your friends and family will be able to use it as well.