How to Find the Right Kind of Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer can be a challenge, as you have to consider cost, reputation and experience. Many lawyers will offer you a free consultation to determine if you are a match. Whether you need basic legal advice or a shark to get you out of a tough legal matter, never take the process of choosing a lawyer lightly.
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Instructions
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Determine what type of lawyer you need: criminal for cases that could involve jail time; personal injury for slips and falls; business for small business and corporate matters; traffic for license suspensions, tickets and moving violations; estate for cases involving property and inheritances; or civil for other matters.
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If you have a lawyer in the family, look to him first for legal advice, a reference and possibly representation.
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Ask for referrals from people close to you who have been involved in lawsuits recently. Ask detailed questions about the lawyers they used, including how they were treated, how long it took the lawyers to resolve the cases, how responsive the lawyers were to phone calls and visits, and what type of law the lawyers specialize in.
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Ask the lawyers you meet with for their win ratio: How many cases have they handled like yours, and how many did they win? Ask for a realistic timeline for action to be taken on your case and when a resolution can be expected. Cases settled through court generally take longer than out-of-court settlements, and some cases can last several years before resolution.
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If the case involves monetary damages, ask for a realistic estimate of what the lawyer can get you or, if you're on the other side of the matter, what you would have to pay in a worst-case scenario.
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Ask for the lawyer's hourly rate and the estimated hours for your case. Clarify what the lawyer's cut will be of any winnings for a case that involves punitive damages.
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Tips & Warnings
The Internet is a great resource for finding lawyers in your area. Simply type the kind of lawyer you need, along with your city and state, into a Google search box. If you are retaining a lawyer for ongoing business matters, interview the lawyer, ask for his client list, and be sure the lawyer has plenty of experience in business and corporate law. The same is true for family law matters.
If you feel that your lawyer is not working to the best of his ability on your case, start taking precautionary measures as soon as possible. Don't wait too long to start inquiring about the progress of your case, and tape your phone conversations or go into the office to speak with the lawyer face to face. Lawyers tend to be more forthright in person. If you have a problem with a lawyer, you can report him to the local bar association.
