Choosing the Right Lawyer

Tip One - Be wary of the lawyer of who thinks they know something about everything.

Knowledge and advocacy are what you are paying for. The lawyer you hire should have a working knowledge of the subject matter you are seeking advice about. An ethical lawyer should be quick to notify you when they don’t have knowledge of the subject matter you need assistance with  

 
Tip Two - Establish a relationship with someone you trust, who gives practical advice that you can use.

The integrity of the attorney should be a key element in your evaluation of an attorney. You should be at ease with your -attorney and his/her staff.  Issues should be dealt with in a straightforward manner.  Do not stay with an attorney you don’t trust, or whose values do not align with your own.

 
Tip Three - Money is always a consideration when hiring an attorney.

Expect that there will be fees and costs owed for the attorney’s services and plan for it.  Ask up front what the estimated expenses are.  Determine with the attorney how you can afford to pay fees and costs for the duration of the case.
 

Tip Four - Speak to more than one attorney before you sign a contract.

You should interview the attorney before hiring.  Ask for a brief bio and see how much experience this person has in the area you need them for.  It is okay to consult with an attorney and not hire them.  During the interview you should get a feel for his/her personality and determine whether it matches well with your own.

 
Tip Five - A lawyer should tell you what is true, not what you want to hear.

Honesty is crucial for lawyers. A lawyer is hired to represent you as an unbiased, unemotional third-party.  Accurate legal assistance is what you are seeking and paying for.  You may not want to hear the truth, but it should always be given to you.

 
Tip Six - You should be treated with courtesy and kindness.

Good customer service from the first communication with a lawyer is very important. Though legal matters can run the gamut of positive and negative circumstances, your lawyer should inspire in you the feeling of confidence that she/he is your advocate and working to get things done.

 
Tip Seven – Price does not determine skill or quality of service.

Attorneys set fees based on many different reasons.  While fees are an important consideration, fees should only be one of your criteria for picking the right lawyer; it should not be your main criteria. Neither discount nor high fees will determine the attorney’s quality of service or the case outcome.