The lawyer population is 15% higher than it was 10 years ago.
With over 1,338,678 lawyers to choose from across the country, it helps to know what you’re looking for.
Otherwise, you could end up hiring someone who lacks the experience and expertise to benefit your case.
All legal processes are complicated, and you need to have the right allies by your side. Having, whether it is a single lawyer or a team of Legal Aid Solicitors, working with the right professionals is vital to achieving the expected outcome.
Here are the 12 smart steps you need to take before hiring a lawyer.
With these tips, you can narrow down your options and find an attorney who sees more than dollar signs.
Instead, you can work with someone who has the knowledge and skill necessary to make your case.
Start your search for a qualified lawyer with these 12 easy tips!
1. Know What You Need
No two lawyers are alike. Before hiring a lawyer, consider the situation you’re in. Ask yourself, “What type of attorney do I need?”
For example, do you need a divorce? Maybe you were served in a lawsuit or charged with a crime.
In these cases, you need a lawyer who is experienced with specific casework.
Sometimes, people don’t need an attorney for a specific case.
Lawyers can also help provide knowledge and advice.
In these instances, you might not need someone with years of experience in a courtroom.
Make sure to get as specific as possible about what you need. For example, let’s say you need a personal injury lawyer.
Narrow your options down further by determining if you need a lawyer for a:
- Slip and fall accident
- Product liability
- Auto accident
- Animal bite
- Assault and batter
- Medical malpractice
- Defamation
You might even break these categories into smaller sub-categories.
For example, you might need an auto accident lawyer who is experienced with motorcycle crashes.
If you’re looking for a medical malpractice lawyer, maybe you want someone experienced with misdiagnosis cases.
The more specific you get about what you need, the more likely you’ll find someone capable of taking your case.
2. Ask Around
Once you determine what type of lawyer you need, ask friends and family for help. Have they worked with a law firm or lawyer in the past?
If so, what was their experience like?
As you ask around, make sure to specify the type of lawyer you’re looking for.
If you were in a car accident, speak with a friend who was in an accident recently.
Finding someone who was in a similar situation can help you find a qualified lawyer for your case.
Don’t forget to ask about any problems they experienced. Did they hit a roadblock during their case, and if so, how was it resolved?
Try to learn as much as possible about the lawyer’s personality and skillset. Were they a strong communicator?
Did they handle themselves in the courtroom well?
If your friend wasn’t satisfied with their experience, continue searching.
Maybe you worked with another lawyer in the past who can provide a recommendation.
See if they know of any lawyers with the specialty you need.
Speaking with a lawyer can give you professional insights into another attorney’s reputation.
In fact, they might have information you won’t find anywhere else.
During your conversation, ask about the other lawyer’s competence levels and habits.
Do they have a strong courtroom reputation and code of conduct? Are they respected by other lawyers in the area?
3. Check the Directory
About 80% of consumers research a business online before visiting in person.
Before hiring a lawyer, take the same initiative. Head online to start researching your prospects before you call them yourself.
Researching online beforehand will help you develop an unbiased view of each lawyer.
During this research stage, make sure to consult the Martindale-Hubbell law directory.
This directory can provide you with information about a law firm and the lawyers who work there. You can find this directory at your local library.
The directory will provide a basic profile for almost every lawyer in the country.
Checking these professional biographies can help during the initial stages of your search.
Once you’ve built a list of potential lawyers, you can use the following steps to narrow down your options.
4. Check Their Standing
As you continue your search, make sure the lawyers on your list are currently licensed.
Visit your local bar association’s website and verify that each lawyer on your list is a member. If they’re not, cross them off!
You can also check to see if the lawyers you’re interested in are members of a law association.
Do they hold a leadership role? If so, it’s likely they’ve earned the respect of their peers.
5. Determine Their Experience
People learn from experience. Before hiring a lawyer, you want to make sure they have the experience and expertise necessary to make your case.
Make sure their experience matches your situation. Have they worked on cases similar to yours?
Try to narrow down your options by looking for lawyers who specialize in your type of case.
Then, determine how long they’ve worked as a licensed attorney.
Make sure to differentiate between how long they’ve worked and how long they’ve specialized.
For example, a lawyer with 50 years of experience might have only started specializing in medical malpractice three years ago.
It’s important to find an attorney with recent experience.
The more current their experience, the more likely they know the latest laws and procedures.
They can then use that information to strengthen your case.
Working with a lawyer who has years under one specialty will give you peace of mind.
6. Read Reviews
Nearly 95% of customers read online reviews, while another 95% check reviews before making a purchase.
Many people trust the opinions of others before making a decision for themselves. When hiring a lawyer, it’s no different.
Check online for reviews from previous clients. If you can’t find any, ask the lawyer if they can provide referrals.
However, it’s important to note that they’ll likely point you in the direction of a happy client.
Checking for reviews online will help you find unbiased answers.
Make sure to check multiple sources, including the Better Business Bureau, Google My Business, and the law firm’s website.
Reading multiple reviews will help paint a picture of each attorney you’re researching.
One or two negative reviews out of 100 are okay.
Don’t discount a lawyer entirely. If you see dozens of negative reviews, however, consider marking them off your list.
7. Determine Their Track Record
As you start narrowing down your options, you want to make sure you choose a lawyer who can win your case.
First, determine their track record. How many cases have they won recently?
Remember, a lawyer with 50 years of experience might not have many wins under their belt for a new specialty.
Try to determine how many cases they’ve won that are similar to yours.
How many of those cases went to trial? Do they prefer to settle instead?
A lawyer who prefers settlements might feel apprehensive about going to court.
In other cases, it can mean they’re more concerned about protecting their track record.
Next, determine how much the payout for each case was.
Learning more about an attorney’s track record can help you picture your own situation moving forward.
8. Complete a Background Check
If you still want peace of mind about the lawyer you’re choosing, complete a background check.
Make sure they don’t have any disciplinary actions filed against them. You can contact your state’s lawyer disciplinary agency.
There are also directories online that provide peer review ratings.
These ratings will let you know more about the lawyer’s professional abilities and personal code of ethics.
Are you a lawyer looking for more clients? Growing your law firm with leads for attorneys can help.
9. Tour the Law Office
Once you start narrowing down your options, take the time to visit the lawyer in person. Request a tour of their law office. Does the office look orderly and well-run?
Consider each person you meet. Was the staff friendly? Was everyone able to answer your questions?
If you don’t feel safe or comfortable, mark that lawyer off your list.
10. Interview Them Yourself
In order to differentiate a good lawyer from the rest, you’ll need to speak to them yourself.
Most lawyers offer a free consultation to learn more about your case. During the interview, ask them any of your unanswered questions, as well as:
- What’s their current schedule like (are they available to take your case)?
- What certifications or special skills do they have?
- How are their fees structured?
- Do they have malpractice insurance?
- Will someone else help with your case?
- Are they confident about taking your case?
Remain wary if a lawyer makes extravagant promises. Instead, look for someone who remains honest with you about your situation.
11. Learn About Their Network
Many lawyers work with a network of experts who can strengthen your case.
Ask the lawyer you’re interested in if they’ll bring in consultants. Make sure these consultants are qualified experts in their industries.
A lawyer who doesn’t have access to a network might lack the tools your case needs.
12. Review the Contract
After interviewing the lawyer in person, make sure to review the contract they provide. Can you afford their services? How does the lawyer take payment?
Some lawyers ask for a flat fee while others will only ask for payment if they win your case.
Finding Fast Representation: 12 Clever Steps to Take When Hiring a Lawyer
Ready to find fast representation? Use these steps before hiring a lawyer to narrow down your search!
With these steps, you can find someone capable of leading—and hopefully winning—your case!
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