Understanding What Makes A Lawyer A Good One

Posted on by Jessica Phillips

Are you in need of the help of a skilled attorney? Do you want to know how to find the right lawyer for your situation? Read the below article for great knowledge on locating a great lawyer so you are assured to have the best chance of winning.

Any time you meet with a prospective lawyer, request a written estimate of fees. These may vary tremendously from one lawyer to another due to the lawyer’s experience. You must be cognizant of fees before engaging a lawyer. It would be a shame to lose your lawyer after your case has already begun.

TIP! Before you agree to use a lawyer, make sure you ask for his or her history. Just because he/she is a licensed attorney doesn’t mean they are good at their job.

Although a lawyer specializing in a particular area of the law may cost more upfront, they generally save you money in the end. The fact is that a general lawyer will spend many more hours researching your case than a specialist would, lowering their hourly costs.

Never pick the first lawyer you find in the phone book. Blindly choosing a lawyer is never a good idea. I went with a referral from my realtor, but that lawyer turned out to have been disbarred for malpractice. Doing your own research can help you avoid problems in the future.

You should always speak with your friends and family before researching your options alone. Family members, friends and acquaintances can provide valuable information about finding the best lawyer to handle your case. Not only will this help lessen the time you need to research, it could be very good for your own legal needs.

TIP! If you are approached by a lawyer, do not hire them. Usually, this is a scam that you will want to avoid, especially if you are going through an issue that is going to cost you a lot of money.

Ask business associates for a business attorney referral. Businesses that frequently interact with lawyers may be able to recommend good ones to contact. For example, if you need a small business lawyer, speak with bankers, accountants and real estate brokers. It is likely they have frequent contact with the type of lawyer you need.

Find out whether or not a lawyer has experience with your particular problem. There is no guarantee that your lawyer will be able to make all of your problems disappear. If the information isn’t online, they should be able and willing to give it to you.

Be wary of handing over a huge retainer to a lawyer for taking your case. If you must pay a retaining fee, make sure you are refunded a balance. You’re probably better off shopping around for lawyers whose retainer fees aren’t quite so large.

TIP! Don’t hesitate when you have a question for your lawyer. If you have chosen a good and fair lawyer, he will understand your anxieties and will take the time to explain how things work and how they are progressing.

Ensure the lawyer’s office is friendly. Keep track of how long it takes to get a return call and how helpful the receptionist is. If the office takes a long time returning your messages, that may give you a hint of how you’ll be treated when you are actually a client.

You will feel more confidence when you have a skilled, trustworthy lawyer who is on your side. Now that you have more information, you can set out to find the right attorney. Refresh your memory if necessary by reading this article as often as you need while choosing your lawyer.