Finding a good lawyer can be the most important step in winning a case and doesn't have to be a difficult task. If you need to rely on a good legal advisor, wikiHow is here to help. Read how to do it by scrolling down through the tips below.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Looking for Potential Lawyers
Step 1. Determine what kind of lawyer you need
Some legal situations require a general lawyer capable of dealing with different types of cases, while others need someone who specializes in other legal areas. Areas in which a lawyer can specialize include (but are not limited to the following):
- Bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy lawyers may be the best choice for those in need of assistance capable of resolving a debt situation.
- Criminal law. If you have been accused of or are likely to be accused of a crime, or if you have doubts about the legal implications of a particular behavior, a criminal lawyer may be the most suitable choice in this situation.
- Disability. Many lawyers deal with social insurance disputes and / or military disability claims. If you are disabled and need a lawyer to assist you in a lawsuit with insurance or to acquire the benefits of veteran (or military disabled) status, specialized assistance is recommended. specific sector.
- Law of the elderly. Lawyers specializing in this field deal with matters relating to asset management, eligibility for federal health care provided by Medicaid (the U. S. federal health program), and the protection of an elderly parent or grandparent.
- Family law. Lawyers specializing in this branch of law deal with cases of separation, divorce, prenuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, custody and child support.
- Personal injury. Those who have suffered a personal injury can choose a lawyer who specializes in this field who knows how to handle medical malpractice, dog attacks, car accidents and all kinds of physical harm caused by others.
Step 2. Search for a lawyer on the internet
There are many websites that contain directories of lawyers. You can search for them depending on the area or the type of lawyer. So, find at least five lawyer sites using your favorite search engine.
It is not advisable to discard a lawyer simply because they do not have a website. However, the lack of this tool does not allow you to collect the information necessary to complete the investigation into finding the right lawyer for your situation
Step 3. Look for a lawyer in your area
The best way is to consult the yellow pages. You can also ask friends or relatives, if you don't mind confiding this need (if you don't want to reveal it, you could always say that your friend is in need of legal assistance).
You could try to contact the bar association in your area or the national one, from which you can get a list of lawyers you can contact
Step 4. Keep in mind that the size of the law firm matters
Law firms can range in number from a single lawyer to a hundred. Therefore, choose the law firm that best suits your situation. If you are planning a large profit through an operation that will allow you to take control of your competitor, you could rely on a rather large and more articulated law firm in providing legal assistance. If, on the other hand, you are simply looking for advice on a prenup, you can rely on a smaller law firm.
Part 2 of 3: Evaluating Potential Lawyers
Step 1. Review the lawyers' websites
You can eliminate one or two lawyers from your shortlist based on meeting the following requirements:
- Professionalism. Lawyers often do not design their own websites themselves, nor do they curate them themselves. Sometimes they don't even deal with their content directly. However, a spy who tells you that he may be a good lawyer is his or her income, and usually those who invest in more professional sites are the ones who make decent money (therefore, the site should not appear sloppy and sloppy).
- Information on the lawyer or law firm. Almost all lawyer and law firm websites have an About Me or About Us page ("about me" or "about us"). Read the information provided regarding the credentials of the lawyer you are interested in. Of course, all lawyers will belong to the bar, but not all will have attended the same university, nor will they have the same qualifications or the same type of work experience. Dwell on these aspects for each lawyer who arouses your interest, so you will have a more precise idea of the professionalism of each of them.
- Acknowledgments and associations. There are some awards and associations, often reported on lawyers' websites. They may include an AV Rating certificate (the highest level of quality certified based on the skills and professional ethics of a lawyer in the USA) within the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory circuit or admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
- Information on the legal area relevant to your situation. What information is included in the legal field of competence of the lawyer? Seems like an expert on the subject?
Step 2. Check the reviews on the internet
Find out what old and new clients are saying about the lawyers on your list. While the few negative news found should be evaluated with a certain capacity for discernment, the larger number of customers who all complain about the same thing could be a wake-up call.
Customer list and reviews. Lawyers who represent many successful companies may be experts in the field in which they operate, but unlikely you will need a lawyer who costs € 800 per hour. Check each lawyer site through the local businesses they represent, but also customer testimonials and reviews
Step 3. Talk to friends and family
Find out through friends and family about the lawyers who remain on your list. Even someone who has never hired a lawyer may know him or be able to provide you with a reference.
Part 3 of 3: Meet the Potential Lawyers
Step 1. Make an appointment
Make an appointment with one of the lawyers who are left on your list. A lawyer knows that clients do their research first and many of them offer free consultations to help the client choose the right one. Don't be too suspicious if a lawyer asks you for your consulting fee - it happens quite often. Call and make an appointment with any lawyer who has passed the evaluation phase by consulting their websites.
Step 2. Prepare a list of questions
Before you meet them, prepare a list of five questions you want to ask them. What you will have to think about will be:
- The time it takes to answer each question. Since the first meeting will last roughly fifteen minutes to an hour, don't waste your time. Then, consider how long each question will need to be answered, and leave out the ones that can last approximately three to five minutes. Remember that this is not the time to have the answers to all the questions related to your situation, because your goal must be to obtain enough information to guide you in choosing the best lawyer.
- If the answer does not require further research. Many specific questions relating to your case may require a more in-depth analysis and, therefore, will not be the ones that will help you in selecting the most suitable lawyer.
- If the answer will help you determine that you have the right lawyer for your needs. Although it can help you become familiar with the legal sector inherent in your case, not always asking the lawyer to describe the process necessary to achieve your goals is a determining factor in choosing the right professional for your needs, because the answers given by different lawyers they could be almost the same. Instead, questions relating to the experience and skills gained in cases similar to yours could give you much more useful information.
Step 3. Limit your questions
Some examples of useful questions could be: how many cases you have worked on are similar to mine? More importantly: how were they solved? How will you keep me informed of changes and developments relating to my situation? How can I contact you even after several hours? Are there any limitations to my instance? You will also need to ask more specific questions about your situation.
Step 4. Take note during the meeting and ask all the questions you have prepared
Bring a notebook and pen with you and don't be afraid to take notes! You need to remember as much as possible of the retention you had with each lawyer so that you can make the right decision. Therefore, record what each of them says and the thoughts that pass to you during the meeting.
During the meeting, he pays attention to how his collaborators behave. Are they professional and courteous? Do they seem busy and intent on their work or do they waste time chatting to each other? Lawyers often delegate some of the work to their employees, so it is advisable to choose a professional surrounded by a group of capable and efficient collaborators
Step 5. Consider the fee for legal assistance
It is really important to understand how the lawyer plans the compensation for the work he will be doing. Generally, this aspect is defined in three ways: through a flat rate, by the hour or by percentage (on the amount obtained following a legal action).
Keep in mind that there are usually percentages for personal injuries. Most lawyers, however, agree on an hourly rate
Step 6. Narrow the list to the last two
Examine every response from the lawyers interviewed and also evaluate them based on the behavior of their collaborators, the answers given and the impressions received during the meeting (as you will have reported them in your notebook). From the latter two, choose the one that seems best suited to your situation. However, keep the data obtained on the second, in case the one chosen does not meet your expectations.
Step 7. Sign a legal consultancy agreement
By entering into such a contract, the rights and obligations of both parties (lawyer and client) will be clear respectively. A good lawyer will not hesitate to sign it.
The contract should define the nature of the assignment you have undertaken as well as the terms and conditions of the agreement with your lawyer. The conditions include the expenses you will be responsible for, the lawyer's fee and the minimum billable increase. Note: the latter aspect should be based on an extension for minimum fractions of six minutes, not fifteen
Advice
- Don't rush to make the final decision. This is an important choice.
- Remember that you have the right to terminate the relationship with your lawyer. If you find that he does not live up to your expectations, you can always relieve him of his position and hire another better person.
