5 Steps To Choosing The Right Lawyer
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You need a lawyer, but who should you hire? There is an array of independent lawyers and law firms from which to choose. This post offers a few tips on selecting the right one.
Determine the type of lawyer you need
While some general lawyers are willing to take on various cases, most lawyers will have an area of specialty. It is often better to hire a specialist lawyer because you know they will have more profound knowledge than a general lawyer.
For example, when writing a will and handling estate planning, your best choice is a probate lawyer. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you’ll want a criminal lawyer. And if you’re buying or selling a house, you’ll likely want a real estate lawyer (also known as a ‘conveyancer’).
Get recommendations from family and friends
When looking for a lawyer, a good place to start is to ask family and friends. You may already have a reliable family lawyer that you can depend on. Alternatively, a friend may have a lawyer they have used.
A recommended lawyer is likely to be trustworthy. Having a family member or friend who already has a good relationship with that lawyer could also help you to develop a stronger relationship immediately - which could result in your case being given priority.
Do your online research
You can also determine whether a lawyer is reputable and successful by checking their online presence. Do they have a website? And if so, does it rank highly? Does their website look professional? Most importantly - are there any testimonials, and do they have positive Google reviews?
You may also be able to research past cases that a lawyer or law firm has taken on and won. Avoid hiring a lawyer with no online presence or lots of negative reviews or press.
Discuss costs and fees
All lawyers charge different fees depending on the area of law, the types of customer they hope to attract and the size of the firm. The way they charge can also vary. Some charge a flat fee upfront, others charge an hourly rate, and a few operate on a no win no fee basis.
If fees are not advertised, make sure to discuss costs upfront. If you have the time, consider trying various lawyers to compare fees. Of course, the cheapest lawyer may not always be the best, so don’t judge your decision solely on the cost.
Make sure they are available
It’s essential to check a lawyer’s availability. Some famous lawyers may currently be working too many cases and may be unable to schedule you for a few months. This may not be convenient if you need legal assistance immediately.
A lawyer usually tells you immediately if they cannot take you on. If your case isn’t too time-sensitive, it may be worth waiting to be taken on by a busy lawyer or law firm, as they could be famous for a reason.
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