Everyone deserves competent legal representation. Here are some tips and information to help you find attorneys, legal services and law firms most appropriate to represent your legal case.
First, it is essential that you find a lawyer whose practice is exclusive to the area of the law concerning your legal case. The best lawyers and law firms are selective, taking only one type of case and decline all others. The more complex your case, the more likely you will need an attorney who has expertise in that area of law. Hiring a specialist is the surest way to achieve a successful outcome in your case.
Make sure your Lawyer has the staff and resources necessary to win. If you have an important case or a powerful adversary, it’s best to hire a law firm, not a single lawyer.
Ask about how long that attorney has been practicing law. The more experience, the better.
It is important that the lawyer possess good knowledge of the law district you live in, and knows the judges and prosecutors. Make sure to find a lawyer with membership in a specialized organization, like the American Trial Lawyers Association, which supplies members with resources and information.
Compare the lawyer’s past results by requesting some proof of prior verdicts such as court records or newspaper reports.
Make sure your lawyer has graduated law school either cum laude (with honor), magna cum laude (with great honor), or summa cum laude (with highest honor). The best lawyers have good academic backgrounds, published articles in their field, and are often invited to write or teach other lawyers in professional seminars.
Ask if the Attorney will be handling the case personally. If not, what kind of work will he or she be doing and who in the office will be responsible for the rest (paralegals, associates, etc.)
Make sure the attorney or the person handling your case will be available for meetings and phone calls at convenient times. And will kept you informed of any changes or delays in your case.
Ask if a paralegal and standardized forms will be used in your kind of case. If so, will that mean lower fees? Your attorney should charge a reduced fee for work performed by a legal assistant or paralegal.
Ask if the lawyer or law firm charge either hourly fees, a flat fee or on a contingent basis. Hourly fees are typically between $75 and $375 per hour or more per hour. A contingent fee is one which is paid only if you win. The usual fee percentage is 1/3 of a settlement or 40% if litigation is required. Never hire a personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney unless the fee is contingent. Contingent fees are prohibited in criminal and family law cases. Ask about fees and get a written estimate detailing all expenses and payments equaling the lawyer’s total fee, such as: the charges, services included, any extra fees, and how you will be billed.
Make sure to ask your attorney for an estimate of how long cases like yours will take, and how he or she feels the case and court proceedings should be handled.
It is also a good idea to ask if the attorney of your choice has malpractice insurance.
If the attorney possesses these qualifications and requirements, you have the right one. But if you have determined the lawyer you are interviewing will not be able to help you, ask if he or she can refer you to someone with more expertise on handling your legal matter.
By: G.l. Bycz
