The key to winning legal cases is having the expertise of a good attorney at your disposal, and the process of finding one who can meet your needs is much more straightforward than you might think. First, however, you need to research legal professionals who specialize or have experience in handling and winning similar legal concerns to what you have. It may take some effort but doing the legwork is worth it because you’re more likely to find one to help you with your case.
1. Determine the legal services you require
It’s always a good idea to hire an attorney whose speciality is in the area of practice that the case involves, whether it’s a personal injury like hairdressing claims or malpractice and bankruptcy laws. Also, you must consider one who is familiar with all of the laws and courts in the area where you’re currently staying. Doing so will allow you to find legal counsel who can best represent you. A few examples of law practices are the following:
- Bankruptcy. This type of law is helpful for those who are struggling or having trouble with their finances.
- Criminal. As the name suggests, criminal law deals with legal matters involving crime or other illegal activity.
- Disability. This involves concerns like disability claims and social security issues.
- Family. Attorneys who specialize in family law generally deal with child support and custody, prenuptial agreements, guardianship, adoption, and divorce, to name a few.
- Personal injury. These cases include injuries caused by others, from medical malpractice to vehicular accidents.
2. Contact the bar association in the area
Many bar associations will have records of disciplinary actions and complaints against licensed attorneys in a specific state. They will also have referral services to help people find the legal counsel they need for their respective cases. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get the information you need, as the majority will have a web page that you can visit online.
3. Look up the online listings of the attorneys
The World Wide Web offers listings for several businesses and professionals, and legal counsel is no exception. Some websites provide a brief and concise summary of the details you need to know about an attorney, from their rates to the law they practice and specialize in. Some even provide reviews from clients too. So, you must make sure to look up some online listings. You’ll be surprised at how helpful they can be in guiding you in the right direction.
4. Ask family and friends
Like any business, legal professionals like attorneys can make exaggerated claims regarding their ability or be economical with the truth. After all, they need to attract clients, and they won’t be able to do that if they’re completely transparent. As such, it makes sense to ask for referrals from your loved ones. Since they’ll only want what’s best for you, they’ll likely recommend only the most capable attorneys.
5. Review the website of the attorney
While you must look for details regarding the law practised by the attorney, you mustn’t forget about checking information on their area of expertise and the law school they attended.
- Keep an eye out for general information on the legal concern you need assistance with a FAQ or blog. A sign of an excellent attorney is that they aren’t economical with information and will have websites that provide users with a wealth of it.
- Most legal firms will have information on every attorney who works for the business. Always look into their work history and educational background before making any commitments. Generally, it’s good to have someone who has been working for three years minimum and practices the law you require.
- Check their social media pages. How they conduct themselves on the platform should give you an idea of how well you can work together.
6. The firm’s size matters
Law firms vary in size, and it’s crucial to consider the one you think will suit your situation. For example, a well-established corporation will likely require a bigger firm to handle an expensive and complicated legal matter. On the other hand, a smaller firm should be more than sufficient for concerns like divorce or writing a will.
7. Schedule an appointment
While research is essential, there’s a limit to what it can do. And you’ll need to consult with attorneys if you want to get a much better sense of who they are. However, be sure to check if you’ll have to pay for it or not. While most will agree to a consultation appointment for free, some may charge you for it. Don’t ever agree to schedule any appointments with those who aren’t forthcoming with these details.
8. Write down some questions to ask
Once you’ve scheduled appointments with the attorneys you’re interested in hiring; it’s a rule of thumb to write down a few in-person questions to ask so that you don’t forget. But try to keep the inquiries limited to your specific case, from the rate or pricing to the success rate. Make sure you also check their availability. Knowing when the attorney can start can help you plan ahead.
9. Bring all the necessary documentation
The lawyers you consult with may need specific documentation pertinent to your case. You should gather everything beforehand, so you don’t struggle to look for the documents on the day of your appointment. It might not sound like a big deal, but having all the documentation you need can make things much easier for you.
Conclusion
The success of any legal case can hinge on the attorney present, and it’s for this reason why you must carefully consider the counsel you choose. They will be the ones responsible for representing your case, after all. By following the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to find a lawyer who will be able to help you achieve your goals successfully.
