How to Hire a Civil Trial Lawyer

Whether you're initiating or defending in a civil trial, you should always hire a lawyer if the circumstances permit. With a little digging, you'll find that it's not always the case that the deepest pockets result in the best lawyer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Financial resources (may be needed)

1. Consider a lawyer who will work for you on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won't owe the attorney any up-front payment for her services, instead paying her out of any damages you are awarded at the successful conclusion of your civil trial. The best contingency fee attorneys will not make you pay unless you win--though that also means they won't take your case if they think you'll lose.
2. Collect information on the civil trial lawyers who deal with the kind of case you're going to be involved in. Find out where they went to school, how long they've been practicing law and how successful a win-loss record they have in trials like yours. Also, be sure to ask about the lawyer's fee structure and get an estimate of how much it will cost to retain the attorney's services for the duration of the trial.
3. Make a short list of lawyers you can afford to hire once you've finished the screening process. Then, check each of them out with your state bar association. This will ensure that your lawyer meets professional standards.
4. Meet with the lawyers you're considering hiring on a consultation basis. See what kind of rapport you have with each. Your gut feeling is there for a reason. Trust it.
5. Ensure that you understand the schedule of fees a particular lawyer is asking for before you sign any representation agreement.
6. Hire the lawyer with whom you feel the most comfortable. Remember, you need to work with someone in which you have total confidence. You're making a considerable investment and you want to give yourself the best chance you can of getting the verdict you want.
7. Keep in mind that you have the right to fire your lawyer if you have cause to believe that he is not performing to the best of his capabilities, or if he displays professional incompetence. You have the right to be represented by an able, capable legal professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Beware of attorneys who overcharge. It's essential that you thoroughly research the available options before you commit to a lawyer. Avoid working with any attorneys who demand exorbitantly high percentages of any damages you may be awarded if you win the case.