Did you know that the United States is home to nearly 70 percent of the world’s lawyers? While hiring a lawyer isn’t an issue, hiring the right lawyer can be hard. You don’t want to just look up lawyers in a phone book or pick whatever the first search engine result yields. If you are looking to hiring a lawyer, here’s what you should do before you sign a contract.
Get a Personal Referral
Instead of relying on an Internet search engine, consider asking people in your community if they can refer a good lawyer for the specific problem you’re facing. For example, if you are facing a DUI charge, find someone who has worked with a lawyer that regularly handles DUI defense. Many lawyers deal with specialized areas of law, so it may be necessary to find a lawyer who regularly deals in your specific situation. Ask colleagues which lawyer or lawyers they worked with, what they thought of them and whether or not they would recommend them for your specific case.
Meet With the Prospective Lawyers
Once you’ve narrowed your list down, it’s a good idea to meet with the prospective lawyers in person before deciding who you want to defend you. By speaking with him or her in person you can get a good feel as to whether or not you “click” together. You don’t want to clash with someone who is defending your rights. Make sure to take notice of whether or not the lawyer seems to value your opinions and lets you voice your feelings—ensuring there is good communication between you and your lawyer is essential. Below are some subjects you should discuss when meeting in person and some things to take note of.
- Discuss their experience in relation to cases like yours.
- Make sure to ask how the previous cases were resolved.
- Discuss the outcome of the cases.
- Take note if the lawyer explains your case in a way that is both clear and logical.
- Consider their willingness to work with you.
- Discuss fees and if they are flexible with billing.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Remember, when faced with legal issues, the first and most important step is choosing the right lawyer. The legal professionals at LMW Attorneys have the experience and compassion to guide you through this trying time. Our team will work to ensure there are open lines of communication throughout your case and will make sure you understand the entire process. By putting your needs at the forefront, we can effectively defend your rights.