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Tips
for finding a lawyer you can trust.
WHEN YOU NEED
TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY
If you find yourself
needing the guidance of an attorney, you might be thinking
that the best way to find a good attorney is to starting
asking for names from family, friends and co-workers. Even
though family and friends can offer well-meaning advice, you
want to find an attorney who can meet your specific needs.
Here are some tips on
finding a good lawyer:
FINDING
A GOOD LAWYER
Consider the Suit
Are you filing a civil or criminal
lawsuit? What size
settlement are you seeking? An attorney who handles divorce
cases may have helped your cousin, Fred but be at a total
loss as to how to help you arrange for an adoption. Figure
out the reasons why you need an attorney and what you wish
to accomplish before picking up the phone.
Call the Bar
Association
The bar association in most states offers a
referral line to provide the names and contact information
of attorneys licensed to practice in your state. Most
associations will provide at least the names of three
attorneys whose area of practice is best suited to your
needs.
Be Careful of the
Yellow Pages
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the best
attorneys always have the biggest ads in the yellow pages.
Very often the best attorneys have small listings because
they have built a successful practice based on their good
reputation.
Use Consultations as
Interviews
Many attorneys will provide a free 30 minute
consultation either over the phone or in person to learn
more about the reasons you are needing the help of an
attorney as well as to learn your goals in securing an
attorney’s services. Consider the consultation as a time for
you to learn if you feel comfortable with the personality of
an individual attorney as well as to ask about fees, terms
of payment, as well as possibilities for out-of-court
settlement.
The consultation is an especially good time to
learn what kinds of experiences and success the attorney has
had in the past as well as to learn what a realistic
expectation might be in terms of settlement or resolution of
your case.
Look at Your Options
If you are over 65 or meet certain income qualifications,
you might be eligible for pro bono (free) legal services.
Contact the local Legal Aid office, the state bar
association or a senior center to learn if you are eligible.
When you seek the advice
of an attorney, you are not only asking someone to handle
your legal affairs but you are also involving someone in
your most personal and financial affairs. Take your time,
ask questions, and get answers before making any decisions
about choosing an attorney to represent you.
Hiring an attorney is a
matter of not only finding a skilled advocate but also of
finding someone who can represent your best interests and
who can help you review all options.
As a last note
Keep in
mind that the best attorney might never take your case to
court but instead may help you find a less expensive and
better outcome through an out-of-court resolution.
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Tips
for finding a lawyer you can trust.