The Common Law

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How Do I Choose a Lawyer?

I've got a legal issue I need help with, but I've never used a lawyer before. There are so many lawyers, how do I know which one to hire?

Most people will encounter a situation where they need the expertise of a lawyer at some point in their lives. Regardless of whether this happens during good events in your life (like buying your first house, starting your dream company, or adopting a child) or bad ones (getting a divorce or finding out that your crazy cousin is on the wrong side of the law), it is comforting to know that you've got a good lawyer protecting your interests. But if this is your first time using a lawyer, how do you go about finding one that's right for you?

One of the best ways to find a new attorney is to ask people that you trust for recommendations. You could start by asking a professional in another field to recommend an attorney. For example, if you are buying a house, your realtor can probably refer you to a competent attorney with real estate experience. You should also check with friends and family that have dealt with lawyers regarding similar issues. Lawyers value their existing relationships with clients, so they should be motivated to do good work for you if they already have a positive relationship with a friend or family member.

Assuming you can't get any good recommendations, here are some factors to consider in hiring a lawyer. First, be certain that the lawyer has relevant experience in the area of the law that you need help with (i.e., don't hire a lawyer with a specialty in defending DUIs to advise you on complicated tax issues). Second, pick a lawyer that is accessible and will give sufficient attention to your questions and concerns. A common complaint about lawyers is that they are unavailable for regular contact once they have taken on the case. Third, you should always find out how you will be billed. Contingency billing, which allows your lawyer to take a percentage of any amount received during their representation of you, is common in personal injury cases. Flat fees are used for more basic matters, like drafting a standard will or handling a simple divorce. Other attorneys use hourly billing, which usually varies from $100 to $450 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience.

Read next week's column for information on several organizations that can help find the right attorney for you.