How to Research a Lawyer
Into each life some legal issue may fall, from something relatively simple like preparing a will to more complex problems of personal injury, bankruptcy, filing for divorce or fighting a DUI/DWI charge. Dealing with the law can be intimidating and costly, so it is important that you find the best lawyer to represent you.
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Instructions
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Simplify your search by limiting it to the area you need. If you are contemplating divorce, you will need a lawyer who specializes in family law, including divorce and custody issues. For preparing a will, seek a lawyer specializing in wills and estates. If you are closing on a house, you will need an attorney who deals with real estate. If a DUI/DWI charge is your problem, you must find an attorney with expertise in that field.
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Start with the Yellow Pages of your telephone book, where lawyers are categorized according to their specialties. The Internet is also a source of information. Lawyers.com, for example, offers information on various legal issues as well as tools for finding attorneys by location or by specialty. If the attorneys have web sites, see if the sites offer information on whether the lawyers have the expertise you need. Your state's bar association can also provide you with names of attorneys in your area. Ask friends who have had experience with attorneys in the subject you need.
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Call your state bar association or visit its website to find out whether the attorneys you are considering have had any complaints or malpractice actions against them. Perform an online search of the attorney's name and the name of his firm. See if the attorney is affiliated with professional associations.
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Call the offices of likely candidates. Ask the secretary or receptionist how much the attorney charges for the task you need, including billing for telephone consultations; how many cases like yours has this attorney handled; and whether most of the work will be done by an attorney or by a paralegal. Ask for references from other clients who can offer you input on the lawyer's abilities.
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Request an appointment to interview the attorneys you are considering once you have narrowed your search to two or three candidates. When you are interviewing an attorney, ask for a copy of his retainer agreement to make sure that you understand the fee structure and avoid any unexpected expenses. In cases that might involve conflict of interest, such as divorce, real estate or criminal law, be sure that the lawyer you are considering does not represent any other interested parties.
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References
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