The right lawyer is instrumental in accurately representing you within a courtroom. They can also be very helpful when it comes to legal disputes or inquiries, such as claiming for insurance or filing for citizenship in a new country. Finding the right one isn’t just a matter of flipping the phonebook and calling the first law firm that hits your periphery or doing a 2-minute Google search.
Approach People You Know
Most people have at one point or another needed the help of a lawyer or attorney. The first place you should be looking for a lawyer is a recommendation from trusted family members or friends. This gives you more in-depth information and specific answers about the lawyer’s competency, fees, and case specialization.
Use Online Services
Platforms, like Nolo, can connect you with a lawyer within your city in a matter of minutes. You can filter the returned results based on the location and legal nature of the case. You’ll have to sign up for an account and answer a string of questions, but you should have some recommendations within an hour.
Bar Association
You can also contact your local bar or the bar in your state to obtain a list of attorneys that practice in the area of law in which you need an attorney.
Do a Meet and Greet
A local lawyer/attorney should be graded based on certain criteria, such as personality, communication and promptness, expertise and years of experience working on cases similar to yours, and fees. While you don’t have to be friends with your lawyer, it makes sense to at least like the person who is legally representing you.
Know What Questions to Ask
You might get billed an hourly fee when you do an initial interview with your prospective lawyer/attorney, so you shouldn’t waste time on questions that are irrelevant to your case. Some important questions to have them answer include – How many similar cases they’ve handled and won in the past? Have they been penalized with disciplinary action before? What are their fees? Is it an installment or a lump sum?
Final Thoughts
Finding the right lawyer shouldn’t just be about academic background and prowess; you should also feel comfortable working with them as mutual trust is key to ensuring a successful partnership with your chosen legal representative.