How to Pick the Right Attorney

Posted on | November 13, 2008 |

At some point in life, we all will need the services of an attorney, whether it is for buying a home, starting a business, an automobile accident, or getting a divorce. Attorneys aren’t just people who provide legal information; they have invaluable experience, training, and skills that allow them to surmount all sorts of legal obstacles that you may not be able to do on your own. But how do you find THE right attorney to help you with your particular problem? You need to know where to look.

Personal referrals can be an incredible resource. Find out if family members, friends, or co-workers have good recommendation. This also gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the overall experience, the attorney, satisfaction with the results and much more. Your best option is talking to someone who has been in a similar situation. Other good resources include teachers, doctors, social workers or other lawyers in the community.

State Bar associations generally have a certified lawyer referral program, which will interview you (usually for a small fee) and refer you to a program attorney who fits your needs.

Most law firms advertise in the classifieds, newspapers and yellow pages. The downside is that these typically give only the bare-bone necessary information and will do little to help you decide if an attorney will meet your needs.

Non-profit public interest organizations may be an option. These groups are often oriented towards civil liberties or activism, and may have staff attorneys who can help your case on an individual level, or counsel with a group of people.

Many attorneys offer a free consultation, but most charge for their advice and legal representation. It is possible however, to find free legal aid agencies, low-income legal clinics, and attorneys who will represent you “pro bono.”

Frequently, communities have Dispute Resolution Programs in place to help mediate between you and another party without the need for trial.

You may also have Prepaid legal service plans at your disposal. This functions much in the same manner as medical insurance, where you pay a premium that gives you access to a lawyers time and services at a reduced rate.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never decide firmly on a lawyer based on any of these suggestions. It is impossible to accurately assess an attorney based on an ad, or a website, or a telephone conversation. Make sure to meet with the attorney, talk about the case, and come to a conclusion about how trustworthy you think they are before you make that final decision.

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