Choosing a lawyer must be done wisely. Whether you set up a business, handle a real estate transaction, or deal with stressful life events like divorce, injury, or work conflict, your chosen lawyer can make or break your situation.
You don’t only look for someone who can give you proper legal advice. You also want to ascertain if this person is trustworthy, reliable, and affordable. If you’re unsure of the know-how, here are some tips you can follow.
Determine What Type of Lawyer You Need
Opt for a lawyer who specializes in the case you’re involved in. To do that, you must first understand the situation you’re currently in. For example, if you’re dealing with a family law issue at the moment, then the kind of lawyer you should approach should be an expert in Family Law. Under this practice area, lawyers deal with matters related to adoption, guardianship, prenuptial agreements, separation, divorce, child custody, and support.
Here’s a list of legal practice areas you must know and when you should ask for help from them:
- Bankruptcy law. If you’re struggling with your finances;
- Criminal law. If you’re involved in a crime or potentially illegal activity;
- Disability specialist. If you need to deal with your Social Security or veteran’s disability claims;
- Trusts and estate. If you have to deal with financial affairs before or after your or someone’s death;
- Personal injury law. If you’ve experienced malpractice, dog bites, or a car accident caused by other people’s fault;
- Employment law. If you’re a worker who’s suffering in your company, like sexual harassment, or a business owner who wants to set up employment rules or handle cases where your employees or another organization sues you; and
- Small business or corporate law. If you need legal help when establishing a business.
It’s also in your best interest to find a lawyer familiar with your area’s courts and laws. For example, if you’ve been assaulted in Sydney, then it’s also a good idea to tap criminal lawyers Sydney for help so they can best represent your interests.
Run Background Checks
Knowing that your lawyer is trustworthy gives you peace of mind. Check their background before engaging in any formal connection. Be sure to check on their experience and past litigated cases. But before that, compile a list of reputable lawyers.
Personal referrals are a good place to start with. Ask your trusted relatives, friends, neighbors, business associates, or even the community (whether physical or online) for recommendations. Then, shortlist the lawyers who have specialized expertise in the practice area that your case involves.
Check their reputation from your local bar associations. They can ensure whether a lawyer has good standing as a bar member. You can also check a lawyer’s peer review ratings online. They’re typically objective indicators of a lawyer’s professional ability and ethical standards evaluated by their colleagues and the judiciaries.
Choose Someone with Winning Experiences
In addition to reputation, a lawyer’s experience is one of the most important elements to consider before selecting one. Someone who is well-versed in his field and has numerous years of legal expertise is appealing.
Competent lawyers can often provide you with particular and essential information about the court system and plea bargaining. They’ll also guide what you should and shouldn’t say in critical and difficult situations.
However, don’t simply look for a lawyer who has been in the legal field for a long time. Look for someone who’s effective in the court. Opt for candidates with qualifications, recommendations, and winning experience.
Within Your Budget
Legal and professional fees will ultimately be a deciding factor when selecting the right lawyer for you. You have to be aware of how much you can afford beforehand. If you’re confused, obtain additional information ahead of time by requesting a quotation and inquiring about the lawyer’s billing practices. It may be an hourly rate, a fixed cost, a contingency charge, a flexible price, or a retainer for future services.
Additionally, figure out whether their charges cover fees, such as shipping, filing, and travel costs. Some lawyers or firms don’t always treat them the same and may be invoiced separately.
When deciding on a law firm or lawyer to trust, ensure the pricing parameters are clear. More importantly, don’t hesitate to discuss the price to avoid surprises. If you’re reluctant, you may ask for confirmation of all costs in a written agreement. If you’re dissatisfied with the quote or it isn’t within your budget, explore other options until you can find the best one that fits your financial situation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right attorney can be intimidating. But like any other transaction, research is key, and you must trust the process. It may take some time, but finding a savvy lawyer who can understand you and your situation well is worth all the effort. After all, having someone on your side, who can look out for your best interests, will give you peace of mind.
