The Right Lawyer - Finding One In Your Area

Most people don’t think about hiring a lawyer until they need one right away. While this is only human nature, it can lead to bad decisions. If you live in an urban area, chances are you cannot turn on the television or the radio without hearing a dozen ads for firms vying for clients. When it comes time to hire an attorney, many people fail to do any research, instead going with someone whose name they are familiar with through these advertisements. This is no way to go about choosing legal counsel. Here are some better ways.

Your first stop should be the local directory or phone book. Look for a lawyer by searching through the area of law you need representation with. There are some firms that practice a wide range of disciplines, but most attorneys will have only a couple of specialties. Make a list of all the viable choices in your area and begin making calls. You should be able to set up some initial consultations to discuss your case. If you don’t have a specific case and just want to retain legal counsel for your business, that can be arranged as well. When you attend the consultation, keep your eyes open. Look at your surroundings and ask yourself if this seems like a professional outfit. Pay close attention to how they treat you and ask yourself if you’re likely to be treated as a valued client. These are important aspects of making your decision.

If choosing from the phone book doesn’t sound like the most efficient strategy, you’re right. There are better ways to go about making your decision, but not everyone will be fortunate enough to be able to utilize them. Asking friends, family, and co-workers to recommend a good lawyer is an excellent way to begin your search. You may find you know someone who has been through your situation and has the perfect match for you. Along these lines, you can also call your state bar association directly and ask them to refer you to a firm in your area.

Fortunately, we also live in the age of information. Take advantage of this. There are several online directories and review sites pertaining to attorneys. Peruse the listings in your area and see what past clients are saying about their experiences. This can give you some valuable information with which you can proceed. Remember, however, that people are free to make anonymous postings online and they may have ulterior motives for recommending or bashing a particular attorney.