How To Find a Lawyer. You’ve thought about it carefully, and you’ve decided that you need to contact a lawyer. The big problem is how to find a lawyer. This section will give you some tips on what to look for when choosing a lawyer and lead you through some questions you can ask a lawyer when you first meet.
If you do your homework, you can hire a lawyer who has the experience and expertise to help with your problems.
How To Find a Lawyer
Most people don’t have a regular lawyer, in the sense that they have one or more doctors that they see at least annually. So how do you find the lawyer who’s right for you? Where do you turn for recommendations?
Steps To Finding a Lawyer
There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.
Here are some of the steps to finding a lawyer:
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Personal Referrals
A better approach is to talk to people in your community who have experienced the same problem you face. For example, if you have a claim of sexual harassment, speak to a women’s group. Ask who their lawyers were and what they thought of them. If you talk to half a dozen people who have had a similar legal problem, chances are you’ll come away with several good leads.
But don’t decide on a lawyer solely based on someone else’s recommendation. Different people will have different responses to a lawyer’s style and personality. Make your decision based on whether you feel comfortable working together.
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Public Defenders
If you are accused of a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free representation from a public defender. Check your country’s local listings online or in a telephone directory to find a public defender’s office. If there isn’t one in your area, the judge assigned to your case can appoint a private attorney to represent you free of charge.
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Business Referrals
Businesses that provide services to key players in the legal area you’re interested in might also be able to help you identify lawyers you should consider. For example, if you need small business law representation, speak to your accountant, insurance agent, or real estate broker. These professionals regularly make informed judgments about business lawyers because they come into frequent contact with them.
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Lawyer Referral Services
Lawyer referral services are another source of information. However, there is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen lawyers and list only those with particular qualifications and a certain amount of experience.
In contrast, other services will list any lawyer in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before choosing a lawyer referral service, ask about the qualifications for including an attorney and the screening process. However, what you might not get from a lawyer referral service is an insight into the lawyer’s philosophy. For instance, you won’t know the lawyer’s communication and litigation styles.
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Prepaid Legal Service Plans
These plans are available through certain employers, labor unions, and other organizations. Generally, if you have such a plan, you are entitled to a certain amount of a lawyer’s time and services at a reduced rate.
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Public Interest Group
Several nonprofit public interest organizations, such as those that focus on civil liberties or housing discrimination, may be able to help you find a lawyer.
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Online Services
Many sites offer a way to connect with local lawyers based on your location and the type of legal case you have. You answer a few questions about your case and provide your contact information. Then a lawyer specializing in the area you need contacts you directly.
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Nolo Lawyer Directory
Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information to help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer’s experience, education, fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer’s general philosophy of practicing law. Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.
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Dispute Resolution Programs
Mediation programs provide an alternative for resolving civil disputes without having to hire an attorney or go to court. The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides a list of local mediation programs.
Things To Consider When Hiring a Lawyer
Whether you run a business or are in some kind of trouble, having a personal attorney is always beneficial for you. In many decision-making processes in our lives, we need legal advice from experts. For whatever reason you need a lawyer, you should not pick just a random lawyer, as many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong lawyer to represent themselves in court. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a lawyer.
Here are some very important things you must consider when hiring a lawyer:
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Look For an Attorney who Specialises in The Type of Legal Issue You Are Facing.
Not all lawyers handle the same types of cases. If you need a will or a power of attorney, you should search for a lawyer with estate planning experience. If you need assistance in a criminal matter, contact a criminal defense lawyer.
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Location
The lawyer you hire should be easily accessible to you. So just after you consider your field of specialization and experience, you can choose one that is conveniently located. Many reputable lawyers and firms practice in several states. It is always better to hire a lawyer who focuses on a single state. If you are from Miami, you should hire a lawyer from Miami and not a lawyer who practices in some other state in addition to practicing in Miami.
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Consider The Experience of The Attorney.
This is one of the most important things that you should remember when looking for an attorney. Do they have a track record of success? Are they in good standing with the state bar? Do they have good client reviews online? You want to find an attorney who has a reputation for getting results for their clients.
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How Much Will the Attorney Charge You?
Last but not least, you need to have a perspective on the budget and the mode of payment before finalizing any particular attorney. Suppose you are hiring an attorney for the first time. You should also know that attorneys have flexible fee options. Some charge an hourly rate, which is very expensive, whereas others settle for a fixed price that can be broken down into several parts.
If you are working on a budget, you can settle for a fixed price that can be paid before and after the case is resolved.
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Do You Feel Comfortable with The Attorney?
If a lawyer you’re considering offers a free consultation, take advantage of that. This first conversation will give you an idea of what it’s like to work with the lawyer or firm and also help the lawyer assess the merits of the potential claim and their ability to help.
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Ability To Convince You
You need to know the ins and outs of the case. Sometimes, lawyers do not give you all the necessary information you need to know. They should have the persuasive ability to keep you assured that your case is safe with the lawyer and that you have nothing to worry about.
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Style Of Legal Representation
Before hiring a lawyer, know what their style is. Some may be gentle and diplomatic, but they may be average lawyers handling the case. An aggressive lawyer may be able to win a case for you. Yet he might give you a difficult time. The lawyer’s style plays a significant role as it impacts the course of the case. If you are involved in a felony case, you need an aggressive lawyer to save you.
But if you are in a custody case, you need a compassionate lawyer to pull you through. Find a professional lawyer to handle the case well and maintain an excellent lawyer-client relationship with them.
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Accreditation
Most importantly, check the lawyer’s accreditation with the American Bar Association (ABA). It is not enough if the lawyer just attends law school. To be accredited, every professional lawyer must pass the Bar exam held by the ABA. Some states allow only accredited lawyers to practice in the state. The next thing to be aware of is that the Uniform Bar Exam is not valid forever but only for 5 years.
Every lawyer must have these scores transferred or renewed periodically by showing proof that they are regularly practicing. It’s best not to hire a lawyer who has no ABA accreditation. All reputable law firms have ABA-accredited lawyers. Check this crucial factor before hiring an attorney.
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Professional Reputation
A lawyer’s credibility is based on his professional reputation. What his peers and colleagues think of him gives you a fair idea of how trustworthy a lawyer is. Inquire about the lawyer online and with the state bar. A lawyer who handles his professional relationships well is a lawyer you can trust.
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Personality
When you are looking for the right lawyer, it helps to find someone you are comfortable talking to in person. The personality of the lawyer can determine whether or not you feel comfortable with your case and the entire process before hiring a Lawyer. While you want a lawyer you know you can talk to comfortably, it also helps to watch their demeanor in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Talk to a Lawyer?
The cost of talking to a lawyer varies and depends on how the individual lawyer chooses to bill their clients. Before hiring an attorney to take on your case, you will have a consultation. Some lawyers offer free consultations; this is common for criminal defense lawyers. Other lawyers will charge a potential client for one hour at their set hourly rate for a consultation.
Once an attorney is hired, the cost of speaking to them depends on the fee arrangement. If an attorney uses an hourly rate schedule, the client will be charged for meetings, phone calls, and returned emails. If the lawyer is working on a flat fee arrangement, the client will not have to pay extra to talk to the lawyer.
What Could Happen When You Don’t Use a Lawyer?
Without legal representation, you could miss a due date for forms or documents, causing delays in your case or even a ruling that is not in your favor. The most common problem that comes up among those who do not hire lawyers is complete confusion as to what they need to do to close out the case. You could end up in limbo, not sure what to do next or where to get help from.
