Having to find a lawyer typically means that you need to deal with something you have not planned for. Additionally, suddenly needing a lawyer might be the result of something unpleasant. Unpleasant occurrences can cause a lot of stress, which negatively impacts your ability to find a good lawyer.
As such, knowing what to look for and how to choose a lawyer can help make the process easier. You can search for the local defense attorneys as they are familiar with the laws of the jurisdiction where they practice, enabling them to better represent their clients and have a better understanding of the local judges and their tendencies.
1. Referral
As with any other service, utilizing a referral from family or co-workers can be an excellent way to find a lawyer. In fact, obtaining a personal reference is one of the most reliable ways to find a lawyer who will best suit your needs. Additionally, if you have a trusted friend or family member who practices law but does not specialize in the particular type of law your case requires, you should consider asking him or her for a referral as lawyers are often aware of the skill level and reputation of other lawyers. In fact, your trusted lawyer might be privy to information that is typically hard to access, such as another lawyer’s ethics.
You can also approach people in your local area who are dealing with the same issue as you. For instance, if you require a lawyer who specializes in sexual harassment, you can speak to a local women’s group. After speaking with a variety of women and gaining information on their experiences with their lawyers, you will most likely be able to acquire some potential leads.
If these aforementioned avenues are not available to you, you can do an online search. For instance, if you are faced with a criminal matter, you can simply search Criminal Lawyers Gold Coast. You can then read the online reviews of the lawyers who appear in the search results.
2. Research
Another excellent way to find a lawyer is to use an online database that allows you to research potential lawyers in your area. These databases provide you the ability to search by such things as location, area of practice, and client reviews.
Some databases even provide you information regarding any disciplinary actions that might have been issued against an attorney you are considering. You can simply enter information regarding such things as your location and a few details regarding your case and receive suggestions for potential candidates.
Additionally, you can contact your state or local bar association. They can provide you access to a directory of lawyers practicing in your area.
3. Interview
Once you have decided on a few potential candidates, you should meet with each of them and conduct and interview to better ascertain if he or she is a good fit. Typically, there is no charge for an initial consultation, so it is highly recommended that you avail yourself of this opportunity as it will help you make a more informed decision.
You should prepare for the consultation by writing down your questions to ensure you do not forget anything. Some important questions to include are ones that address information regarding their experience with your particular legal issue, success record, and fees. Other things you should inquire about include the following.
- years in practice
- special skills or certifications
- percentage of caseload dedicated to your legal matter
- any additional fees
- how updates to cases are handled
- references from previous clients
The information you gather from each interview will help you better understand which lawyers have the best background and experience to meet your needs. You can then use this information to choose a lawyer able to provide you with the level of communication you require.
4. Check background
Another important step in finding a lawyer is to conduct a background check. A background check will provide you with information regarding any disciplinary actions that have been taken against the lawyer you are considering hiring. To conduct a background check, you can simply check with the lawyer disciplinary agency in your local area or state. You can also visit lookupinmate.org.
You should also be sure to check any references a potential candidate offers you as these types of references provide you with firsthand information and the opportunity to ask questions.
5. Visit the office
A tour of the office can provide you with valuable information regarding such things as how friendly the staff is and how well or poorly organized the office is. For instance, an unfriendly staff can be a strong indication that future communications might be frustrating. Additionally, a messy office or a lot of empty rooms might be an indication that a poor experience will be provided.
About the Author:
Kim Hemphry is a passionate expert in the areas of Legal Matters, learning and education. She has been featured on over 50 leading Legal and education sites and is a modern thought leader in the field. More about her interests and articles on her site – http://kimhemphry.com/
