Suppose you suddenly find yourself in a legal situation and require an attorney who is close by. But finding the perfect lawyer is not the easy process that Aunt Sally’s story about a neighbor’s cousin being the ideal man, or just typing keywords into Google would have you believe. It’s a matter of trusting your judgement, asking for recommendations, and examining its credentials. Discover more?
First, turn to your network. Ask friends, family members and even that colleague who knows everyone under the Sun if they have had any legal entanglements–And who they hired to help them out. Personal stories are precious.Lastly they give you a “feel” for a lawyer’s style—whether they know the score in and out of court or gentle guide through difficult situations.
Next, go through the online reviews. An entirely positive or universally negative review should not be trusted but seen in light of all others: the reader can see what experience people have had with a lawyer and whether there are any recurring issues. Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell are good platforms for getting lawyer ratings and profiles. Keep in mind too that even the most accomplished professionals occasionally have bad days.
Think of those first meetings as a kind of legal speed dating. You need to find someone whom you can communicate with easily as well as a legal expert. Does their office feel comfortable? Do they suit your style? After all, if you ‘re to tell them about your most intimate affairs then it is important that they make you feel at ease.
Don’t avoid the subject of payment. Legal services are often quite costly so be upfront about the fees in order to avoid problems later on. Also ask for any incidental charges that might occur in order to get a complete picture of what your financial picture might look like. Your wallet will say thank you.
Finally, listen to your gut. If something doesn’t seem quite right, keep on looking. The correct attorney for you should seem just like an old friend that’s reliable and guides you through the legal maze. With a little bit of patience and some nous, you’ll find your ideal legal helper–just like treasure-hunting or hit a dead zone with WiFi and suddenly have a connection! Good luck getting the right help you need.