Are you searching for legal representation? With so many legal practices and attorneys willing to assist, how do you choose the right practitioner? Choosing the wrong lawyer could wind you up with an unexpected outcome in court. Follow these tips before settling on your legal representation.
Consult the Martindale-Hubbell Directory
This directory gives you the practice data and profile of every attorney in the United States and Canada. It comes with professional biographies of leading practitioners and firms in all 50-states. The directory also includes ratings on practitioners and firms based on peer reviews.
Tour Your Prospective Lawyers Offices
You’ll get a good idea of your attorney’s capabilities and their performance by visiting their offices. If you have to find their office on top of a KFC, and everything’s a mess, then you know you’re dealing with the wrong lawyer. Your lawyer should have offices in a decent building. The offices’ interior should be neat and clean, and the staff should be accommodating and friendly when you arrive. Red flags include large unoccupied spaces in the office, as well as disorganized paperwork and unfriendly staff.
Do Your Due Diligence and Background Check
Before settling on your attorney, make sure you do a background check to finalize your due diligence. Search their firm online and also enter the layers name into Google and see what you find.
Contact the state lawyer disciplinary agency and confirm the lawyer is in good standing as a bar member.
Wrapping Up – Questions to Ask Your Prospective Attorney
When you meet with your attorney, ask them the following questions during your consultation.
- What experience do they have in resolving your legal matter?
- How long has the attorney been practicing?
- What is the attorney’s track record?
- How much of their caseload do they dedicate to handling your legal problem?
- What are the structure and costs of the attorney fees?