The United States has more than 11 million licensed attorneys. Therefore, choosing an attorney or law firm can be a long, stressful process. However, if you want the very best legal professionals available, don’t just search “law firm near me.” Instead, spend the time fully evaluating each candidate. Consider these tips for finding a great attorney.
Review Experience
Your first question to your prospective attorneys is how long they have practiced law. Then, you should ask how long they have practiced the type of law you need. An ideal professional will have at least three years of experience in the field. Learn about their success rates and discuss their methodologies and primary strategies. You may also ask about the number of cases and clients the lawyers and their firms are currently handling to determine whether they have the time and resources available to help you. Identify who will be working on your case and their levels of experience.
Discuss Costs
Whether you are looking to hire a lawyer on retainer or you have a specific case in mind, you need to know their fees. Don’t just choose the lowest cost attorney. Instead, focus on experience, which often comes at a cost. Ask about court fees and out-of-court costs, but find someone with competitive rates. A law firm may require that you pay your entire retainer upfront, or it may only require a down payment. Ask about the cost of paralegal work. A reputable attorney should be able to give you a general idea of the total cost of your case. Ask about payment plans and whether any of your legal fees may be reimbursed by the other party.
Get a Case Review
A reputable firm will offer to review your case during your initial consultation. During this review, prospective lawyers will identify any missing paperwork and holes in your case. They will also discuss the likelihood of you receiving your desired outcome. These professionals should know how long it will take to resolve your case.
Protect yourself and your future by hiring the best attorney available.
