What to Consider When Choosing a Lawyer
Choosing a lawyer when you are faced with a legal issue can be a formidable task. As with most service-providers, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident in the advice you are receiving.
Not all lawyers are created equal. We are not interchangeable cogs in the legal wheel. Contrary to what some observers suggest, it is less important to "like" your lawyer than it is to respect and have confidence in their advice and representation.
Education and experience matter, as does personality, communication style, and an ability to get the job done efficiently and correctly.
When looking for a lawyer, there are several steps you can take to feel more confident in your choice, and to get a sense of their personality and abilities.
Before committing to a lawyer, consider taking the following steps:
Talk to the lawyer or lawyers you are considering retaining. That initial conversation should be free.
Check the website and/or LinkedIn page of the lawyer and see what they say about themselves. If there are testimonials, see what others have said about them.
Learn about the lawyer’s experience and their knowledge of the area of law that concerns your problem.
There are also several considerations to keep in mind:
Lawyers have different areas of expertise, and areas of interest. As a client you would prefer not to pay to have your lawyer learn about the subject for the first time. Selecting a lawyer who has experience in the area of law that concerns your problem can save you money and time. Remember though, that lawyers do not know everything about everything, so there will always be some legal research involved because every case is different.
Different lawyers will have different fee structures. Ask the lawyer about their fees, how they expect to be paid and when, and, if needed, what other fee structures are available. Some lawyers will operate solely on an hourly basis, while others might offer contingency fee agreements or payment plans.
Ask the lawyer about their means and methods of communication. Do you prefer email, or do you like phone or video calls? Will the lawyer meet you in person? Is his or her office close enough that in-person meetings can occur if necessary? You need to feel confident throughout your case, and communication plays a significant role in that sense of confidence.
Ask the lawyer about their responsiveness and availability. If your matter is time sensitive, the lawyer you retain needs to have time to take it on, and possibly get to work quickly. If you work a 9-5 job and need to seek meetings with your lawyer outside of office hours, find out if that is an option.
As that initial interview proceeds you will start to get an idea about what this lawyer knows and whether the lawyer instills confidence in you.
It is always appropriate to take time to consider whether you will move forward with a particular lawyer. You may also wish to speak to several lawyers before you choose one. A lawyer should not make you feel awkward about this process, nor should they discourage you from seeking another option, if that is your wish, before making a decision about whom to retain.