It’s important to find a lawyer you can trust and work well with. But how do you find the right fit?
It’s likely that you’ll need a lawyer’s services at some point in your life. If you don’t know any lawyers personally you may feel lost when the time comes to hire one. So, where should you start?
Talk to people in your community who have been in a similar situation.
For example, if you need a lawyer because you have been in a car accident you should ask a trusted friend what he thought of the attorney he used for his personal injury claim. Ask about the lawyer’s communication skills, experience, personality, support staff, and anything else that is important to you.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has experience working with a lawyer you can ask the bar association for a referral, or use online databases such as Avvo and Martindale-Hubble to research potential candidates and read consumer reviews.
But remember to take other people’s opinions with a grain of salt.
Everyone’s case is different, so you can’t expect to have the exact same results as your friends. A personal recommendation or internet review is a great place to start, but it should not be the only factor you consider.
Take advantage of the free consultation.
If an attorney offers a free consultation use that time not only to discuss your case but also to “interview” the attorney. Don’t miss the opportunity to assess the attorney’s character, honesty, listening skills, and communication style to see if the firm is a good fit for you. Ask about fee arrangement options, potential timelines for completed work and the lawyer’s experience working on cases like yours. Ask about your case’s potential for a successful outcome, but be wary of an attorney who promises or guarantees any particular result.
Depending on your legal issue, your relationship with your attorney could last a long time.
Depending on the type of legal issue you have, you may end up working with your attorney for months or even years. That’s why it’s crucial to find a lawyer you get along with and can have confidence in.
Our attorneys are always happy to speak with you, and for many types of cases can give you a free consultation. Call us today at 205-553-5353 and let’s discuss how we can assist you.
