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How to Choose a Lawyer
Are you in need of a personal injury lawyer or a criminal defense lawyer? Don't depend on billboards and cheaply made commercials. What are the chances that the lawyer with the best advertisements also happens to be the best lawyer? If he was, it would be a coincidence. When it comes to choosing a personal injury lawyer, a criminal defense lawyer, a tax attorney, a divorce lawyer or any other type of lawyer, you should rely on three things: those you trust, referral services and your intuition.Ask about Your Friend's Lawyer
Many of us prefer to receive recommendations from those we trust, so why not request legal referrals your family members, friends and co-workers? More often than not, many of them have utilized legal representation in the past or at least know of someone who has. As with job hunting, "networking" is always a good idea.
Some questions you should ask when soliciting information are:
- Was your lawyer attentive to your needs?
- Was your lawyer informative through the duration or his or her service?
- Did your lawyer thoroughly explain everything to you in a manner you understood?
- How would you rate your overall experience with your lawyer?
The answers to these four questions will help you create a list of credible prospects.
Evaluate Your Need for a Lawyer
Asking for guidance from friends and relatives is only the first step. Then you must begin assessing your own specific needs. Specialized legal areas include bankruptcy, family law, disability law, defamation, libel, slander, commercial litigation, employment law, estate planning and the list goes on. There are a number of general attorneys who cover a broad range of legal services as well. You must decide which kind of lawyer is right for you.
You will benefit most from a lawyer who has a strong background in areas relevant to your case. The expression, "Jack of all trades, Master of none" comes to mind. So take the time to research your options. Look for unbiased resources like the California Bar Association referral list. These resources are typically organized by specialty. You can often find state-funded referral services that help clients find appropriate representation. However, these services are usually limited to pre-qualified clients, such as those with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and senior citizens.
Last but not least, when you are close to determining which lawyer you wish to hire you should schedule a consultation with each of your top candidates. At your consultation, discuss your needs and clarify any uncertainty that may exist. You can also evaluate your lawyer's qualifications first-hand and be able to predict if he will be able to meet or exceed your expectations.
Choosing a lawyer is a task everyone will have to tackle at one point in their lives. Approach this important decision with as much caution as you would when searching for a doctor or an accountant. The more careful you are with selection process, the higher the chances that you will find a great lawyer who will truly care about you and your needs.