It’s important to choose a lawyer that you can trust. To keep from making the wrong choice, these tips can help you find someone who will dedicate themselves to your case, maintain regular communication and do the job right.
Research, research, research
The first thing you can do to ensure that you are choosing the best person for your case is to look into their background. You can do this by looking for online reviews, reading their biography and double-checking their credentials.
While you shouldn’t base your entire decision based on your research, it may give you something to look out for. For example, if you discover press coverage that relays a negative connotation of the lawyer, you can ask this candidate to explain during an in-person interview.
However, in some cases, many bad reviews and a lack of a comprehensive biography may reveal that the lawyer’s worth ethic and skill are not worth your time.
A consultation is like an interview
Many lawyers offer free consultations in which they will describe how their services can help your unique situation. Try to treat this consultation like an interview for the position of being your lawyer.
Do some research in advance to ensure that the lawyer knows what they’re talking about. Then, during the interview, try to do the following:
- Gage whether the lawyer can use specific examples of past cases and potential approaches, rather than vague statements
- Ask the lawyer how their skills and experiences can help you with your specific situation
- Inquire about previous cases and how they have turned out
- Ask about the risks — a lawyer shouldn’t hide the potential for real consequences
- Get references
Know your rights
A lawyer who commits legal malpractice can compromise your entire case, causing you to spend more time and money. To learn more about how to spot legal malpractice and what to do when you encounter it, talk to a professional who has seen this before.