If you are trying to find a lawyer, you have most likely run into some sort of problem. Perhaps you have a legal problem that involves a significant amount of money like a real estate transaction or perhaps your legal problem is complex like a divorce. Whatever the case is, after careful consideration, you’ve concluded that you need to speak with a lawyer. Finding one is the main issue. This section will provide you with some advice on how to choose a lawyer and walk you through some possible questions to ask one when you first meet. If you do your research, you can find a lawyer with the knowledge and skills to assist you with your issue.
In the same way that they have one or more doctors they visit at least once a year, most people don’t have a “regular” lawyer. So how can you locate the ideal attorney for you? What sources do you consult for advice? Here are some helpful strategies to finding a lawyer.
Table of Contents
- Personal referrals from your network
- Legal assistance programs
- Business referrals
- Lawyer referral services
- Questions you should ask
Personal referrals from your network
Consult with your friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances to see if they can recommend any lawyers. Personal recommendations can be among the most trustworthy references you can across. Even if they don’t specialise in the field of law in which you need legal assistance, you can still seek a lawyer you know and trust. They might be able to suggest coworkers who can take care of your issue.
Legal assistance programs
A number of legal aid programmes provide low-cost or free legal services to individuals in need. Search online or look up terms like “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice” in the yellow pages. The majority of legal aid programmes have unique eligibility requirements, which are frequently based on your location, the size of your family, and your income. Some legal assistance agencies employ their own in-house attorneys, while others rely on volunteer attorneys. Keep in mind that in civil cases, people do not have a right to a free attorney.
Finding a lawyer with the necessary qualifications and area of practise emphasis is made easier with the support of bar associations, which typically provide references based on specific legal disciplines. Many referral systems also have qualifications that lawyers must meet in order to be referred in a certain area of law.
Business referrals
This is very much like tapping into your personal referrals from your network but instead you are looking at business to business solutions. Consider this a great option if you are interested in a specific time of law representation, especially one that involves a business. A great example of a business referral would be to speak with your accountant about any lawyer referrals they might have or even a real estate agent. Both of these fields require having regular contact with a lawyer so they will have some good insight for you when you are considering a lawyer.
Lawyer referral services
Most towns and cities provide reference systems to aid people in finding attorneys. In your yellow pages, you might be able to locate them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or a similar heading. These services typically provide a local attorney referral to assess a case. Many agencies provide assistance to groups with special needs, such as the elderly, immigrants, victims of domestic abuse, or those with disabilities.
Questions you should ask
Now that you have narrowed down the search for a lawyer to a list of potential candidates it’s time to weed some more out. In order to help you make a choice there are many factors to consider. Obviously the most important one will feel like the connection you have when speaking to the lawyer in question. However, here are some questions you should also consider and ask any potential lawyer candidate.
- How many years have you been in business?
- How many similar cases like mine have you handled, and more importantly, what were the results of those cases?
- Do you offer a no-cost consultation? What is the cost of the initial interview if not?
- What do you charge? What offerings are there? How (lump amount, payments over time, etc.) do you anticipate being paid? Do you provide a flexible fee schedule?
- Have there ever been any disciplinary actions against you?
- How many cases do you currently have? Have you got time to devote to my case?
Best of luck in your search!