If you find yourself involved in a legal dispute, the best course of action is to hire a lawyer. Attorneys dispense strategic advice and apply sophisticated technical skills to legal cases and other matters, so it’s important to select the right one to represent you or your company. The process of finding a lawyer can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several ways to locate a qualified attorney or law firm.
Start by asking friends, family members, and colleagues for a recommendation. If someone you know has had a similar legal issue, such as an accident or divorce, they may be able to provide a name of an attorney who was helpful. Other sources to consider include your local telephone directory, lawyer directories, and your state bar association website.
Once you have a list of potential attorneys, call and set up a consultation. Most attorneys offer these meetings for free, but some do charge. Make sure to ask before scheduling the meeting whether you will be charged for your time.
During the consultation, meet with the attorney find a lawyer to discuss your case and determine if you can work together. Take notes and ask questions throughout the meeting. You should also find out if the attorney has handled cases similar to yours and what their success rate has been. Although an attorney is ethically prohibited from guaranteeing a specific outcome, they should be able to give you an idea of what to expect.
Additionally, you should ask the attorney how long it will take to complete your case. Keep in mind that your attorney will need to research your case and prepare for it, so he or she won’t be able to give you an exact number right away. However, the attorney should be able to tell you how long it typically takes for them to resolve similar cases.
Also, ask the attorney if they have any misconduct or reprimands on their record. You can find this information by searching the attorney’s name on your state’s bar association website.
Lastly, find out if the attorney charges hourly or has flat fee pricing. Hourly pricing is generally cheaper, but flat fee pricing can be beneficial for certain legal issues.
Upon choosing the attorney you want to represent you, have him or her write up an engagement letter or fee agreement. This should outline all fees and services, as well as how you and the attorney will communicate. Sign the agreement once you are comfortable that it is what you need. In the event that you and the attorney disagree on how to proceed with your case, you can always seek another attorney’s counsel. However, this should be a last resort, as it will increase your legal fees and prolong your dispute. It’s better to reach a settlement and avoid costly litigation when possible.