Most of us hope never to need to use the services of a lawyer. After all, while you may require a lawyer for mundane tasks like setting up a will or reading through a contract, the chances are that, if you need a lawyer, you are more likely in legal trouble, which people tend to try to avoid.
However, if you do find yourself in a position like that, you must hire a lawyer – and a good one, at that. The question is how to do this. Luckily, this post is here to help by sharing a few things you need to look for in a lawyer.
Do they have enough experience?
While there’s nothing wrong with hiring a newly qualified lawyer, your chances of success will be much higher with an experienced lawyer.
That’s why you should always try to opt for a lawyer who knows what they’re doing and has extensive expertise in lawsuits and other legal problems. For example, the lawyer James Goodnow holds multiple qualifications and is also an author, which means he has the necessary knowledge to tackle challenging cases comfortably.
Where are they located?
Of course, another important factor is where the law firm is based. While it is possible to consult with a lawyer remotely, it will make things a lot easier if you can talk to them face-to-face.
So, if possible, try to work with a lawyer who operates in an area close to you so that you can quickly consult with them, and they can also assist with court cases and other procedures if needed. Many law firms will also have multiple branches, so that’s something to remember.
What are their fees?
As mentioned, you should ideally use a lawyer with more experience, as they will generally make a better case. However, it would help if you also kept in mind that the better the lawyer, the higher the fees.
It would help if you didn’t overextend yourself financially by choosing a lawyer who doesn’t fit your budget. Instead, be realistic about what you can afford, and stick to lawyers in that price range. A good lawyer can help you organize a successful lawsuit, regardless of their fees.
Can someone recommend them to you?
Choosing a lawyer is tricky – a lawyer can make or break your case. Therefore, it makes sense that people will want peace of mind knowing they have hired a reliable and trustworthy lawyer. And the best way of doing this is to ask for recommendations from people you trust.
If any of your friends or family members have recently had legal issues, don’t hesitate to ask them which lawyer they used and their experience. If they had a good experience, you could use their lawyer; if they had a bad experience, you know who to avoid.
Do you feel comfortable with them?
Different lawyers have different approaches, and while there’s nothing wrong with this, you should try to find a lawyer who’s a good fit for you. In other words, you need to feel comfortable with them.
Most lawsuits involve personal information and events, so you need to ensure you feel comfortable around your lawyer to share these private experiences. Of course, if you are someone who generally struggles to talk about your feelings, this is something you should work on, but if it’s just a case of you not clicking with the lawyer, don’t be afraid to talk to other lawyers to see if they’d be a better fit instead.
What do their reviews say?
As mentioned, looking for some recommendations for a lawyer is a good idea. We suggest starting with your friends and family members, but if they don’t have any answers, you can turn to another source of information – the Internet.
Most law firms will be listed as businesses on Google, which means you may be able to see their reviews. This will give you a better idea of other people’s experiences and a more unambiguous indication of what you can expect.
Are they an expert in any field?
A good lawyer should be able to assist and advise you no matter the nature of your case, but some lawyers are experts in specific fields. So, depending on your case type, you may want to choose a lawyer who specializes in that field.
For example, you may want to work with an employment lawyer for any work-related issues. And if you’ve been in a car accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you build your case once you’ve recovered from the accident.
Do they meet your needs?
Finally, it would be best to remember that every legal issue is different, which means that people will have other things they look for in a lawyer.
Some people may want a long-term, ongoing agreement with their lawyer, while others only require a once-off service. Similarly, some prefer big law firms, and others prefer smaller businesses. Ultimately, the important thing is to get a lawyer who is a good fit for you and your situation.
In conclusion
If you are ever faced with a legal problem or question, it can be easy to panic. After all, most of us don’t know much about the legal system, and it’s easy to fear the unknown.
Luckily, that’s what lawyers are for. The right lawyer will be able to take on a lot of the work regarding any lawsuits or other issues, and they will also be able to answer any queries you may have.
The important thing is to find a lawyer you’re happy with, and we hope this post helped you with that!