Choosing an Attorney
Finding the right attorney for your specific legal needs can be a challenging task, especially if you have never had to use a lawyer before. The following tips offer some suggestions on how to go about finding the right legal representation for you.
Determine the Type of Attorney You Need.
There are two general classifications for attorneys—those who are general attorneys who can perform a wide range of various legal services, and those who are specialized in a specific area of the law. The type to choose depends on your legal needs. If you want to draw up a will, to buy or sell a home, or to find the answer to some other day-to-day legal issue, a general practice attorney should be able to satisfy your needs. If your legal needs involve litigation, making arrangements for large estates to be passed on to your heirs, or completing a complex commercial transaction, you need to find an attorney who specializes in the area of law that applies for your legal needs.
Do Some Research.
Make the effort to find a competent lawyer. Ask for recommendations from family members or friends, or ask other attorneys for suggestions. If you need an attorney who specializes in a particular field, you can consult a general practice lawyer for a referral, much like you would consult your general practitioner for a specialized medical referral. You can also contact your local bar association, consult attorney directories like the Martindale Hubbell, use a lawyer referral and information service, or even use the Yellow Pages to track down the right legal eagle for your specific needs.
Scrutinize Your Prospective Lawyer.
These are just some of the questions that you should ask your prospective lawyer to determine if their services are right for you:
- How Long Have You Practiced Law?
- How Much Experience Do You Have with Handling Legal Issues Like Mine?
- Are You a Member of Any Special Bar Associations or Committees that Are Related to My Specific Type of Legal Issue?
- Do You Have a Website that Lists Your Professional Experiences and Credentials?
- Do You Have Malpractice Insurance in Case a Mistake Is Made with My Case?
- Have You Ever Faced Any Public Disciplinary Action?
In addition to all of these questions, you’ll also want to have a clear understanding of the next point:
Ask Your Prospective Attorney for Information About Fees.
You will need to do this prior to meeting with the attorney. Find out if they will receive a retainer, an hourly fee, or charge a fixed fee for specific services. Some attorneys charge contingency fees, which are paid only when the case is successfully completed in your favor. The attorney’s payment would be a percentage of your award plus any legal expenses. Certain types of cases, like injury claims, have maximum fee ceilings for the attorney’s charges. Whatever way your attorney will be paid, you need to have this arrangement detailed in a written fee agreement, a document that your attorney will be required to provide.
Here are a few quick tips to keep your legal fees under control:
- Be Honest with Your Attorney
- Be Sure to Bring All the Relevant Documents with You when Meeting with Your Attorney
- Focus Only on Business and Get Right to the Point
- Write Down Any Quick Questions Before Meeting with Your Attorney
If the cost of a lawyer is more than you can financially bear, check your area for legal service agencies that provide free legal representation to people who need it.