At some point in our lives, most of us will need the services of a good attorney. It’s a wise investment of our time to do some research before selecting an attorney to represent us.
The best place to start is by asking for personal recommendations. Also, searching online at state bar association websites can provide valuable insight into the professional reputation of an attorney.
Ask for Referrals
When looking for a lawyer, ask friends and family members for recommendations. If someone has gone through a similar situation, they will have experience and insight that can help you make a decision. They might also be able to give you advice on how they handled the situation, and how it worked out in their favor.
When asking for referrals, be careful not to appear pushy. You want to make it seem like a natural extension of your relationship with the person, rather than an attempt to get them to join a referral program. It is also important to remember that not everyone will be willing to refer you, or even know who might be a good fit for your situation.
If you have a difficult time finding a referral, check out the website of your state bar association. Then, narrow down the list by searching for attorneys who are practicing in your specific area of law. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, call to set up consultations. Most will be happy to meet with you for a half hour for free, and you can use the meeting to judge whether or not they are a good match for your needs.
In addition to seeking out referrals from friends and family, it is also a good idea to search online for reviews of lawyers. While it is important to keep in mind that not every attorney will be a perfect match for everyone, reading online reviews can help you identify patterns and red flags that might be indicators of a bad fit for you.
When you find a good lawyer, be sure to tell them that you found them through a referral. This can help them feel appreciated and may encourage them to continue to recommend you to others. If you are a realtor, for example, you might include the referral request in your post-closing email or newsletter to remind your client that you appreciate their business and would welcome more. You might also ask if they have anyone else who could benefit from your services and offer to introduce them.
Search Online
One of the best ways to find an attorney is to ask for referrals. However, if you don’t know anyone who has used an attorney or are looking for someone to help with a complex legal matter, it’s worth searching online for reviews and ratings of attorneys.
Websites like Avvo and Findlaw allow you to search for attorneys by location, practice area and other factors. They also provide client reviews and peer endorsements. While it’s important to read client reviews, remember that not everyone will agree with an attorney or law firm. However, if you see a pattern of complaints, it might be a good idea to cross that lawyer off your list.
Another great resource is a bar association or nonprofit organization. These groups often have a referral service that can connect you with an experienced attorney. For example, a business owner’s association might have a referral program for attorneys who specialize in small business issues. Likewise, a women’s or men’s support group might have a referral service for family law attorneys.
Lastly, some employers offer discounted legal services through their employee assistance programs or other specialized programs. While these services might not be able to help you find Johnny Cochran, they can give you access to legal expertise for a fraction of the cost it would take to hire your own in-house counsel.
For the most accurate results, be sure to include as much detail in your online search as possible. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you are finding the most qualified professional to handle your case. While most attorneys will conduct a consultation over the phone or through email, it’s usually best to meet with an attorney in person. This allows you to better understand how they will approach your case and gives you a chance to see whether or not the office environment is comfortable and professional. In addition, most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate them without spending any money. You’ll also be able to gauge how well the attorney communicates during the consultation, which is an important factor when choosing an attorney.
Look for Experience
One of the most important things to consider when selecting an attorney is his or her experience. Whether you are in the middle of a complex business transaction or need representation for a personal legal matter, finding an attorney who has a history of success handling similar cases to yours is vital. Experience is measured in a variety of ways, including length of service, number of cases handled in the same area and previous results.
In addition to considering an attorney’s experience, you should also pay attention to how he or she communicates. A good attorney should be able to explain your legal options in an organized and understandable manner. This includes describing the practical and legal advantages and disadvantages of each course of action. He or she should also be able to determine when in-person communication is appropriate and when e-mail or telephone calls will suffice.
During your first meeting, pay close attention to how you feel about the attorney. This is an important part of the selection process, as you will be sharing a great deal of confidential information with this person and relying on him or her to guide you through a situation that could have serious consequences for your life or your business. If you do not feel comfortable with an attorney, or if he or she makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, choose someone else.
Once you have narrowed down your search, it is wise to interview a few attorneys. Treat this process as you would a job interview, and ask each attorney questions about their background and their experience with cases like yours. Ask them to provide examples of past work they have completed in the same or a similar area as yours, and be sure to read through their website to see what types of information they have posted.
Once you have met with several potential candidates, compare their responses to your questions and decide which is the best fit for your needs. It is also a good idea to consider how quickly each attorney returns phone calls or responds to emails. You should expect to receive a response within 24 hours, and you should avoid working with an attorney who takes longer than this.
Listen to Your Gut
Your ability to trust your gut and decipher emotional reactions such as an uneasy feeling is a skill learned over time. It can be a good thing, as it can alert you to dangers such as an unethical lawyer or even an over-worked one who doesn’t have the time or resources to care about your case.
When you meet your potential attorney for the first time, pay attention to their body language and overall demeanor. You want to make sure that they inspire confidence in you and that you feel like they will do a great job for your case. In addition, look at their office for signs that they are organized and well-run. If they constantly interrupt you, seem distracted and overwhelmed or have an unorganized desk, this may be a red flag that they won’t have the time to focus on your case.
Once you’ve interviewed several attorneys and compared their responses to the questions that you came up with, listen to your instincts. If you have a positive feeling, it’s likely that you’ve found your lawyer! However, if you have a negative feeling that you can’t put your finger on, move on to another candidate. This process may take a little longer, but it’s worth it in the end to find an attorney who will be the best for you and your case.
