How to Choose a Lawyer that’s Best for You

With over 1,338,678 lawyers in the country, you might feel like it’s a tough task to find the one lawyer you need. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to conduct your search. By knowing what to look for, you can find the right lawyer for your case. Otherwise, you could end up with someone who fails to reach the outcome you’re hoping for. Here are eight tips you can use when deciding how to choose a lawyer. With these tips, you can narrow down your options based on experience and talent.

Don’t settle for the first lawyer you find. Instead, discover how to choose a good lawyer you can trust using these easy tips!

1. Consider Your Case

Before you head online to start searching, think about what you need. What type of case are you pursuing? What type of expertise would most benefit your case?

Lawyers can choose to specialize in a number of areas. Whether you were charged with a crime, want to buy real estate, or need a divorce, your choice matters. You need to find a lawyer who understands your situation. 

They can rely on their prior experience to benefit your case. 

First, take the time to consider your case. Then, choose a lawyer who specializes in that type of casework. You might want to narrow down your options to a specific niche. 

For example, do you need a personal injury lawyer? A personal injury attorney might choose to specialize in car accidents, slip and falls, or defamation cases.

Do you want to learn how to choose a criminal defense lawyer? Different types of criminal defense cases can include:

• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence
• DUI
• Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
• Drugs

Do you need a lawyer who specializes in property crimes (theft, arson, white-collar cases) or personal crimes (kidnapping, homicide, assault and battery)?

Make sure the lawyer’s experience fits the subcategory your case falls under. Choosing someone with the specific experience you need will save you valuable time. They’ll know exactly how to build your case. 

2. Ask Your Inner Circle 

Once you know what type of lawyer you need, ask your friends, family members, and coworkers for help. Have any of them needed that same type of lawyer before? Ask about their experience working with that attorney. 

Speaking with someone you trust can help you find a lawyer you can trust. Learn from their experience and mistakes.

Would your friend suggest you work with that lawyer? Did they have any issues with the attorney? Were the problems resolved and if so, how?

Do you trust a lawyer with a different specialty? For example, maybe the lawyer who drew up your will has a suggestion. You can learn from their professional opinion to determine how to choose a good lawyer.

3. Flip Through a Directory 

If your friends and family members can’t help, that’s okay. You can also learn how to choose a lawyer by heading online. 

First, head over to the Martindale-Hubbel law directory. There, you’ll find information about various law firms and each team of lawyers. Read over the profiles for each lawyer to learn a little more about them. 

4. Look for Experience

If you want to learn how to choose a good lawyer, focus on finding someone with the right experience.

First, make sure they have years of experience as a practicing attorney. How long have they practiced law? How long have they worked within their specialty?

Ask if they worked any cases that are similar to yours, too. How did those cases go? What was the outcome?

How large was the payout?

Learning about their prior experience will give you peace of mind. If they just start specializing in the case area you need, you might want to keep searching. 

5. Check The Bar

Don’t hire a lawyer without checking your bar association website first. After all, you want to make sure they’re licensed to practice in your area.

Some laws differ based on where you live. You want to make sure you learn how to choose a lawyer with the knowledge necessary to win your case.

6. Read Online Reviews

Before you speak with the lawyer yourself, head online to see what others are saying about them. About 95% of customers read reviews online before trusting a business. It’s no different when hiring a lawyer you’re trusting with your future. 

Online reviews will help you learn about each attorney from a client’s perspective. It’s important to get an unbiased view of each lawyer before hiring them. Otherwise, you could end up with someone who can only upsell their abilities.  

Don’t forget to check the law firm’s website, Google My Business, and Better Business Bureau listing. 

7. Look for a Strong Record

If you want to narrow down your options, make sure to look for a winner who can represent you.

Compare their recent track record with their overall track record. Have they improved over the years? How many of those cases were recent wins?

Make sure their wins are relevant to your type of case, too. Finding someone with a strong track record of wins will help you feel confident about your choice.

8. Schedule an Interview

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a list of experienced winners, schedule an interview with a few. 

During your interview, make sure to ask about their current schedule. Do they have time to take your case?

Who will work on your case? The lawyer you speak with might not represent you.

Ask about their confidence regarding your case, too. If they make guarantees about how much they can win, continue searching. A lawyer should only give you a ballpark estimate.

They should also remain honest and transparent about your case’s potential. 

During the interview, make sure to ask about their fees. Do they work on a contingency fee basis? If so, the lawyer will only take a percentage if you win your case. 

How to Choose a Lawyer: 8 Tips for Finding a Professional You Can Trust

Now that you know how to choose a lawyer, start searching! With these tips, you can focus on finding someone with the experience and knowledge you need. Don’t settle for a lawyer who doesn’t have your best interests in mind. 

Want to discuss your situation with an experienced professional?

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