It is quite likely that you will need the help of an attorney at some point. Do you know how to find and hire a good one? What sort of relationship should you expect with your lawyer? The purpose of this article is to help you decide how to pick a lawyer who is the right fit for your case.
Clearly define the issues you face prior to interviewing lawyers. The first thing to consider is whether you really need a lawyer or not. For example, a lawyer is needed if you’re charged with an offense, have a lawsuit coming up or if you’re in a divorce. If none of these apply, you still might need a lawyer for a professional opinion on financial or business matters.
Real Estate
If you have to deal with a real estate matter like buying or selling a home or a dispute about property you own or previously owned, get a good real estate lawyer on your side. This person will know what they are doing and should be able to help you achieve a satisfactory outcome.
When you are in a real estate legal situation like selling or buying a home, or even being sued about a place you rent or sold, hire a real estate lawyer. This can help you get your case dealt with quicker and it can ensure you get the best outcome you can get.
Did you know that your lawyer must keep all information you share confidential? So if you tell them you’re guilty, your company’s secret recipe or your wife’s age, they can’t tell a soul.
Don’t just accept the first lawyer alphabetically in the Yellow Pages as your choice! You want to find a lawyer that will represent you well and one who is a specialist in what you need. When I bought my first home, the real estate agent referred a lawyer. I accepted the referral, and I was surprised to learn that the lawyer had been sued for malpractice and was no longer licensed. Be careful.
Don’t play “Pin the Tail on the Lawyer” with the aid of the Yellow pages. You should do the proper research to make sure you make the best decision. You may even find that you’ve hired a lawyer without a valid license or one who has been sued for malpractice. Be very cautious.
Do not go with a lawyer you are not comfortable with. If you don’t feel comfortable with the fee arrangement, don’t hire the lawyer. Do not sign an unlimited retainer. You should treat it just like a visit to the auto mechanic. Get an estimate before the work starts so that you are not surprised.
You need to make sure you’re asking enough questions. At your first consultation, the prospective lawyer should answer any and all pertinent questions. Their responsibility is to make you as comfortable as possible with their experience and knowledge. If they don’t, move on to the next consultation.
You should always agree on fees and put them in writing before the case starts. This helps you to know what sort of budget to have in mind. Also, it keeps you better organized.
Maintain records of each contact you and your lawyer have. Write down any pertinent information like date and time, what was said, and how much the session will cost. This will help you if there are any billing or other issues later.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the lawyer. Good lawyers aren’t just knowledgeable and intelligent, but they have good people skills and can make you feel comfortable upon entering their office. If your lawyer doesn’t do that, you need a new one.
Good information in regards to the characteristics and qualities exhibited by a good lawyer will help you understand the lawyer/client relationship and find the right lawyer. Picking a lawyer does not have to be complicated. However, with the help of this article finding a lawyer is much easier.