Choosing among litigation attorneys can be overwhelming. Find out what questions to ask to get the right attorney handling your case.
Hiring a litigation attorney is never high on anyone's "want to do" list. If you've found yourself at the point of needing a good lawyer,
chances are you've got some pretty serious legal issues going on and need to find the best attorney for the job. Choosing among litigation attorneys can be made a little easier if you know what to look for and what questions to ask.
Find A Specialist
When you need to hire a litigator, the first thing to do is find one who specializes in your type of case. If you're a victim of age discrimination, you're better off consulting an elder law lawyer with experience in employment rights than someone who practices real estate or medical malpractice law, for example. You should be able to find this information with a quick search of the firm's website. Look for participation in professional associations as well. Attorneys who are active in professional associations can generally be expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards and be current on the latest trends and changes in the law relative to their specialty.
If you don't even have a name to go on, start with a search of your state bar association. You'll be able to find qualified attorneys and see if there are any outstanding complaints against them.
Take Time To Research And Interview Litigation Attorneys
Don't pick the first name you come across or blindly hire an attorney based on a friend's recommendation. You need to find an attorney whom you are comfortable with and whom you feel you can trust with important and sometimes private details of your life. Arrange consultations with a few different firms until you find a lawyer you click with. Most firms offer consultations for free or for a small fee.
Before you do that though, research the firm and/or attorney as much as possible ahead of time. Visit the firm's website. Check the attorney's experience and find out if he or she has any special designations that might be helpful to your case. You may even be able to find online reviews and recommendations on the litigation attorneys you're considering. Check the lawyers' standing with the state bar association to make sure he or she is legally able to practice law.
Questions To Ask Litigation Attorneys Before Retaining Their Services
Several questions can help you determine if the litigation attorneys you're considering have the experience needed for you to win your case. Here are some questions that will give you a good idea of the attorney's capabilities.
• How long have you been practicing law?
• How much time do you devote to litigation?
• Have you handled cases like mine before? What were the outcomes?
• Are there alternatives to going to court?
• What is your fee? What does that include? Are there any out of pocket expenses I should be aware of?
• How will I know what is going on? How often will we communicate? Will I speak with you or your office staff?
While you're talking to the lawyer, pay attention to his or her manner and how you are treated as much as how knowledgeable he is about your situation. Does the lawyer show an interest in your case? Does she speak to you in terms you understand and treat you with respect? Are the office staff members courteous and professional?
These details may be easy to dismiss or overlook, but they are important. When the time comes to go to trial, your lawyer will need to be able to present your case effectively in front of a judge and jury. You want them to understand and trust your lawyer as much as you do.
Although you may want to just get the case settled and put the whole thing behind you, by taking the time to research litigation attorneys you're more likely to find the right one to help you win your case.
