Have you found yourself with a court case and not sure how to find the right attorney. Maybe you're friends don't have experience with this specific type of case, and they don't know where to point. Or maybe you're looking for a lawyer that you can establish a long-term business relationship with. Keep reading to learn more.
Before you hire a lawyer, sit down and define the problem that you have. Sometimes, you may find that your situation is not bad enough to warrant a lawyer. Understanding exactly what you are going through can help save you a lot of money over time with a lawyer and court fees.
Finding a good lawyer is a lot of work. You should put some time aside to do some research and give yourself a few weeks to compare different options. Meet different lawyers to get quotes and ask for advice. You should not expect to find a quality lawyer right away.
A general practitioner is not always your best option. You might have a good lawyer you trust, but do not hesitate to hire a specialized lawyer if you need help with an issue your lawyer has no experience with. Do not hesitate to ask your usual lawyer for a referral.
Work with your lawyer on a regular basis to establish a rapport. There are attorneys who do not regularly contact their clients. You can avoid this sort of situation by setting up a schedule at the outset.
Make sure you understand the costs associated with a particular lawyer ahead of time. Before you even begin the process of seeking someone out, you need to think about what you can afford. As you call different lawyers, discuss fees and the payment schedule. Do not be surprised later on!
Know just exactly how much opportunity cost you are giving up when choosing to go to court. Any case takes time, and just how much time depends a lot on the ability of your lawyer. If you choose a young lawyer to save money, you may find that the case takes many more weeks than if you had gone with someone more seasoned. Those weeks can be many hours of lost pay! Do your homework here and make sure the math works out for your choices.
Often, lawyers are specialized in a specific area of the law. If you need a lawyer, make sure you find one that can help you in the exact area that you need. Do not try to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you with your bankruptcy. Even if you are referred by a friend, if the lawyer is not specialized in the area of law you need, then keep looking.
Make sure that you and your lawyer communicate well with one another. In fact, it is important to discuss in advance how often you will be talking and by what means. Will your lawyer email you weekly or biweekly? Does he prefer to call you with updates instead? The form of communication doesn't really matter as long as you and your lawyer stay in contact often.
If you are going through a divorce, do not use the same lawyer that your estranged spouse is using. Many people use a familiar firm, but that is a big conflict of interest when it is the same one used by your ex. Look around and try to find someone comparable.
Create a list of questions to ask your lawyer during the first meeting. You may be very nervous during that first encounter with your potential lawyer, so do yourself a favor and write down your top questions. This way, you'll be sure not to forget anything during the meeting.
Find a second opinion if you are unsure about your lawyer. You probably would rather not have to change lawyers because this is usually expensive and time-consuming. So a good second opinion is definitely worth the effort.
A great method of finding a great lawyer is to seek referrals from friends and family. You read more can trust a friend to be true about their experience, although you do have to weigh the fact that it might not mirror your own.
Create a list of questions to ask your lawyer during the first meeting. You may be very nervous during that first encounter with your potential lawyer, so do yourself a favor and write down your top questions. This way, you'll be sure not to forget anything during the meeting.
If you need a specialized lawyer, ask the lawyers you are considering about their specialized training. There are seminars and additional classes lawyers can take to learn more about a specific issue. For instance, lawyers who are qualified to help you with filing for bankruptcy should be members of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.
Dealing with a lawyer can be stressful or it can be productive. Make your time with a lawyer time well spent. Use what you learned here and you will be on the right path when it comes to dealing with lawyers. A good lawyer is invaluable and that is what you need.