Hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference in the world. The wrong lawyer can drag your case out for years and cost you a fortune in fees, while the right lawyer can get you a fair settlement in a timely manner.
All lawyers are licensed and qualified professionals who have proven themselves in their field. However, not all lawyers can handle your specific case.
To sift the good from the bad, here are some guidelines to help you select the most qualified law company for your legal needs.
1) Check their employment history
When evaluating whether an attorney or law firm is a good fit, conduct a short background check on their past accomplishments. You’d want to know about their professional history as this can help provide you with a general idea of their litigation experience.
Some questions you can ask:
How many years have they been in the field? Have they worked in or are familiar with your industry? Do they have any experience with cases similar to yours? Researching potential legal candidates can also reveal malpractice claims or complaints. Given that these people are working in your best interest, you don’t want anyone with a history of being unethical.
2) Ensure they can handle city-specific laws
Even with bordering states, there can be subtle but observable differences in the laws. If you need a lawyer, they must know the local laws and ordinances.
3) Determine their area of specialty
Law firms vary in their level of expertise in their respective fields. Some firms may excel in family law, while others may be better equipped to handle corporate or tax law due to familiarity with past cases.
When searching for a law firm, you should always consider their area of specialty and the type of clients they serve to see if they’re a good match for your legal needs.
For example, if you’re getting a divorce, you’ll want to look for a law firm that specializes in family law. If you’re looking to get your will in order, then you’ll want to look for a law firm that specializes in estate planning.
A few law firms have expert lawyers that can handle a variety of commercial cases, such as the lawyers with Legal Vision UK, but they’re usually the exception to the rule.
4) Consider their caseload
Law firms, like any other business, exist to make a profit first and foremost. While these law firms have a sense of social responsibility, their primary focus will always be to make money.
This means that law firms will often take on more cases than they can handle to maximize their profits. As a result, you may find that your case is being handled by a paralegal or an inexperienced associate rather than the lawyer you initially spoke to.
If you want to ensure that your case is being handled by a competent professional, then you should ask about their caseload, the hours they’ll allot on your case, and how they plan on handling your case altogether. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to hire them.
5) Communication skills
Does your potential lawyer promptly return emails and texts? Do they carry themselves professionally? Are they polite and respectful? Do they make an effort to understand your case and keep you updated on their progress?
You should choose an attorney that you can build rapport with, as this is crucial in maintaining a good attorney-client relationship. Their ability to communicate well is also essential in court appearances. If you find that your lawyer is difficult to communicate with or unresponsive, that might spell disaster for your case.
6) Reputation
When searching for a potential law firm, always check its reputation first. Are they well-respected in the legal community? Do they have any awards or accolades? Are they known for their integrity and professionalism?
7) Cost and contract fees
While no self-respecting law firm will work for free, you should always be wary of firms that charge an exorbitant amount for their services. When it comes to legal fees, you should always get quotes from multiple firms before making a decision.
