When you need an attorney, settling for the lowest-cost lawyer or a litigator without the right experience can ruin your chances of winning a case.
The wrong lawyer can also be a costly mistake that leaves you without the legal protection you need.
We hope you never need a lawyer.
However, being prepared in case you do can help save time and money when faced with a legal situation.
What should you look for when looking for the “right lawyer near me?”
Keep these ten tips in mind when finding an attorney you can rely on.
1. Start With Your Network
Do you know anyone who dealt with a lawyer for an issue in the past?
Depending on your situation, you might have a friend or family member who can recommend the best lawyer for your needs.
Start your lawyer search with your local network.
Ask for recommendations, and listen to trusted sources who warn you away from an attorney who won’t be the right fit for your case.
While your circle of friends can help you find an excellent lawyer, they can also help you avoid a bad attorney who might be a mistake.
2. Look For the Right Experience
Not every lawyer has the experience to handle your legal situation successfully.
You wouldn’t hire an employment attorney to handle your divorce!
Different areas of law require and experience that doesn’t always translate well across specialties.
When trying to find an attorney, look for professionals with experience that applies to your case.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who has success with moving vehicle lawsuits.
3. Conduct Online Research
When you gather a few names or firms on your shortlist of potential legal counsel, conduct enough research to make sure they are who they say they are.
Search your state’s bar association records to confirm an attorney’s status to practice law.
Verify their location, practice areas, reviews, and any disciplinary records.
An attorney with too many bad peer or association reviews and a history of professional discipline might not be the best legal representative for you.
4. Consider Reviews
Many people either love or hate their lawyer.
A successful lawyer should have plenty of positive online reviews to help support their experience and showcase success.
When considering an attorney, check online reviews from third-party sources.
Many legal firms post happy client reviews on their website.
However, make sure you weigh good and bad reviews from sources other than the firm’s website when evaluating a potential attorney.
5. Check References
A reputable attorney who wants your business will provide a few client references for you to check.
Ask for references, then be sure to contact them.
When speaking with former or current clients, ask:
- About the success of the case
- For their experiences working with the lawyer
- How long they worked with the attorney
- If they were satisfied with the outcome
- If they would hire the same attorney again
Quality references will give honest feedback about lawyers on your list for consideration.
If a potential attorney refuses to provide references, they might not be the best fit for your case.
6. Confirm Success
A lawyer that advertises experience in the area you need should be able to show their success.
A new lawyer or a legal team without proof of researching and winning cases like yours might not be able to get a win for you, either.
Longevity and history of case wins indicate a smart choice for your attorney.
Ask the lawyers on your list for their win-loss ratio for lawsuits or settlements in situations similar to your needs.
7. Ask About Their Approach
When you find a lawyer with the experience and success you need, ask about their approach to cases like yours.
Include questions about:
- How they research
- Their communication style
- Court experience
- How they work with opposing counsel
You don’t have to get along with your lawyer to develop a lifelong friendship.
However, the right attorney should work in a way that complements your preferences and comfort level while winning your case.
You’ll spend considerable amounts of time with your attorney and their team.
If you might struggle to communicate well or spend time with your lawyer, they might not be the right fit for your case.
8. Be Sure They Fit Your Budget
Hiring a legal team can be an unexpected expense.
Most people don’t put money aside in case they need a lawyer someday.
However, the best attorney doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on your list.
Excellent lawyers offer reasonably-priced services, and many reputable attorneys don’t get paid until they win your case.
Be sure to ask about pricing before signing a contract to hire a lawyer.
Understand retainer fees or per-service fees and when you’ll need to pay these costs to your attorney.
9. Look for Professionalism
Your attorney represents you in court and during meetings with witnesses and the opposing party’s legal team.
Their level of professionalism can set the tone for your success (or loss) when working on your case.
Choose a lawyer with a professional website and office, staff, and personal presentation during meetings—in person or virtual.
A professional appearance helps communicate success and confidence when interacting with others throughout your legal process.
10. Go With Your Gut
The best lawyer for someone else might not be the right attorney for you.
When collecting input from friends, family, and references, weigh this information against how you feel about a particular lawyer on your list.
It’s your legal situation.
Don’t ignore good advice, but remember to choose an attorney that helps you feel comfortable and optimistic about winning your case.
Don’t Rush Into Finding An Attorney
You might need a lawyer right away, but don’t rush into finding an attorney without considering these tips.
With research and insights from your network, you’ll partner with a lawyer who is the best fit for your needs!
If this information was helpful, be sure to explore more of our articles!