Taking some time to learn how to choose a good lawyer can prove priceless in the long run, and be the difference between losing out on or being awarded thousands, if not millions of dollars in legal proceedings.
The success of your legal case depends almost solely on the quality of the lawyer you hire. However, people often don’t know how to find the right attorney and what things to look for when deciding between different options. Add to that the fact that there are over 1.3 million practicing lawyers in the US, according to ABAJournal.com, [1] and the sheer number of options available can make it quite difficult to choose the right attorney.
A lawyer can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more dollars per hour, states TheRVO.com. [2] But while a good indicator, you shouldn’t rely only on price when hiring one. For that very reason, we have a quick checklist that everyone should familiarize themselves with in the event that you ever need a lawyer:
1. Consider their work environment
If consulting with a lawyer in person at their offices, check whether they have a well kept and organized work environment. This can be a good indicator of a good or bad lawyer.
2. Does the lawyer have staff?
An attorney without staff might not be able to take on too many clients or handle complex cases. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you raise your concerns right away. In contrast, if there is staff present, are they pleasant or unpleasant? Angry and irritable staff might be a sign of a bad work environment.
3. What are their billing practices?
Getting billed for postage fees and copies is generally regarded as unethical charges. Furthermore, are you getting detailed invoices? It’s always recommended that you get an exact breakdown of costs.
Besides using these three quick tips to find a lawyer, you should also speak to at least three attorneys in person before making a final decision. Start by calling and follow through with in-person meetings so that you can discuss your budget and requirements.
Alternatively, you may already have a go-to lawyer that you feel isn’t representing you in the best possible way. If that’s the case for you, use this checklist and remember that you can always switch to another lawyer. Don’t put it off.
While finding a good lawyer fast is recommended when you are in legal trouble, you should also know how to interview a potential attorney. There are five crucial questions to ask and you should always bring a pen and paper to note their answers so that you can compare multiple lawyers.
1. Ask how much experience a potential lawyer has with cases like yours
2. Ask them if they have any references from other clients
3. Ask for their record to see how many cases they’ve won and lost
4. Ask how many people will be handling your case and about their rates
5. Ask for their rates and fees and how their structure them
Legal fees can add up quickly and end up costing you a small fortune many times, so do your research and make sure that you pick the best lawyer right away.