When you are hiring a lawyer, it can be hard to know where to start. Given the large number of lawyers these days, it is often tough to tell the good from the not-so-good. Keep reading to know what you should look for in a lawyer.
Do not hire a lawyer without doing some background research. Look their name up on the Internet and talk to friends or relatives who might know the lawyer you are interested in. It is always in your best interest to choose a lawyer with an excellent reputation and good ethics.
Find a lawyer who will accept a retainer from you, if something bad were to happen. By having a lawyer on retainer, you will not have to spend time finding an attorney should an issue arise. Keeping an attorney on retainer affords you the luxury of always having access to good advice.
Ask everyone you know if they've used a lawyer for a legal situation such as yours, and who they might recommend. Don't forget to collect references for the lawyers on your short list and check them out. Also conduct a background check and Google them to see what others say about their services.
Make sure that you are one hundred percent comfortable before you sign any legal documentation hiring your lawyer. The last thing that you need if you are already in a bad situation is to have to pay extra money to a lawyer that you do not want. Take precaution before signing on the dotted line.
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!
A good tip to remember when working with a lawyer is to try and get as much done in possible in one meeting. You're going to pay a lot more to schedule different meetings to discuss multiple things. Going over several topics in one meeting can save you a lot of money.
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.
When hiring a lawyer, ask them who exactly will be dealing with your case. Many times it will not be the big name head of the firm, but instead someone below them who has a clearer schedule. If this doesn't appeal to you, choose another law firm for your needs.
Make sure to discuss payment with any attorney you are thinking about using. Some are paid by the hour and others may charge you a fixed rate. Think ahead of time about what you are most comfortable with (or if it even really matters to you). Talk the lawyer about your preferences and see if they would be willing to work with you.
Avoid lawyers who actively seek your business. Consider it a red flag if a lawyer solicits you after an accident without you having expressed any interest. These "ambulance chasers" tend to have sketchy business ethics, so it is best to steer clear of them. A good lawyer will have clients seeking their help, and doesn't need to resort to this type of behavior.
If you have any problems at all with a lawyer, from personality conflict to discomfort with fees, keep looking. Don't agree to anything that makes you uncomfortable or causes you concern. For example, some unscrupulous lawyers want clients to sign a blank check to keep on hand. Naturally, this is not a good idea!
Do not hesitate to ask your lawyer for a list of their previous clients. A reliable lawyer should have no problem providing you with this information, since they want you to believe they can perform well. Look over this list to help you determine the effectiveness that the lawyer has with his clients.
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.
It's important that you remember what you've read here as you go about the selection process. A good attorney isn't hard to find, but he or she is not just going to jump out at you. You have to know what you're slip & fall lawyer looking for, and hopefully you now feel like you do.