Looking for a good lawyer? With thousands of options available, it can feel daunting to find the one person who can help. In fact, the number of active attorneys has increased by 15.2% within the last decade.
Before hiring an attorney, you want the peace of mind that you’re hiring someone reliable, qualified, and experienced. In order to find the one lawyer prepared to help you, it’s important to start with thorough research.
Otherwise, you could end up with a lawyer who doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Start your search off right with these seven tips to uncovering good lawyers. With these tips, you can find someone with the abilities and experience you need. Begin your search with these tips.
1. Experience
When trying to differentiate decent lawyers from good lawyers, start by checking their experience.
Don’t assume a lawyer has the specific case experience you need. Instead, try to find a lawyer who specializes in a niche branch of law. For example, if you were in a hit and run, look for an auto accident lawyer.
You could need a lawyer experienced with wills, real estate, or personal injuries.
The first step to hiring a lawyer is to determine which type of lawyer you need. Then, look for an experienced lawyer with case experience that reflects that specialty. A lawyer with broader experience might not have the knowledge you need.
A lawyer with a specific niche focus, on the other hand, will likely stay up-to-date regarding recent cases, procedures, and laws related to that niche.
How many years have they worked as a lawyer? How long have they specialized in their niche?
Finding an experienced lawyer who has years under your belt will give you peace of mind. Their experience will give you the reassurance you need to remain calm throughout your case. A lawyer who lacks the ideal experience, however, might leave you without the help and knowledge you need.
2. Track Record
Once you find an experienced lawyer, make sure they have the track record to back it up. Take a look at their most recent cases. Did they win those cases or settle most of them?
You don’t only want an experienced lawyer. You also want someone who can negotiate on your behalf. For example, you might want a lawyer who can maximize the compensation you’ll receive after an auto accident.
You can discover good lawyers with a strong track record in injury cases such as Bader Scott Injury Lawyers online.
When hiring a lawyer, look at their recent track record as well as their long-term track record. How many cases have they won that are similar to yours? Exploring their track record can tell you if they’re able to accomplish your goals.
In some cases, you only have one chance to make a claim. Make sure you have a winner at your side from the very start.
3. Bar Standing
As you use these tools to find good lawyers in your area, you’ll start narrowing down the list. Before hiring an attorney, however, you want to make sure they’re a licensed attorney. You can check a lawyer’s standing by visiting your local bar association website.
There, you can make sure the lawyer you’re researching is listed as a member.
If they’re not, keep searching.
You can also use your local bar association website to search for lawyers who are members of other law associations. These associations can indicate they have additional knowledge, resources, and experience that can benefit your case.
Checking a lawyer’s bar association standing can help you find a lawyer who is qualified to take your case.
4. Read the Reviews
Before buying a product from a new brand, you likely head online to complete a little research. Your research might include reading reviews from consumers like you. In fact, 85% of people read up to 10 reviews before they choose a business.
Before hiring an attorney, complete the same process. Check online for reviews and testimonials from the lawyer’s previous clients.
What do their clients have to say? Don’t discount a lawyer if they have one or two bad comments. Instead, read as much as you can to learn about what it’s like to work alongside a specific lawyer.
You should also look for clients who had a case that’s similar to yours.
What was their experience working with the lawyer like? What problems did they face during the duration of their case? How were those problems resolved?
You can head to the Better Business Bureau website if you’re researching a law firm.
Reading online reviews can help you develop a detailed picture of who you’re working with.
5. Lawyer’s Fees
Even if you find the best lawyer in the business, you still need to consider their fees. Don’t sign a contract until you understand how much their experience and expertise will cost you.
How do they charge their clients? Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Others work on a retainer.
Other costs can pop up throughout the span of your case as well. For example, hiring an expert witness might add to your overall costs.
Make sure their fees fit your budget before hiring an attorney.
6. Personality
Before hiring a lawyer, take the time to meet them in person. Some lawyers offer a free half-hour consultation, giving you the chance to assess their skills.
Treat this meeting like an interview. Ask any lingering questions you have about their experience. As you talk, take note of their personality.
Do you feel like you can trust them? Do they have strong communication skills?
If not, they might lack the skills necessary to argue your case in court.
7. Trust Yourself
Review the notes you’ve taken during your search. Who did you feel the most comfortable with? Which lawyer do you think has your best interests in mind?
At the end of the day, you’ll need to trust your instincts and ability to read people to find the right lawyer for your case.
Tips for Finding a Good Lawyer
You have the right to representation. With these seven tips, you can find a good lawyer who has your best interests in mind. Their experience and skill can benefit your case and ensure you accomplish your goals.
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