The Common Law

I’ve never needed a lawyer in the past. But now I have a legal issue and I need to hire a lawyer. Countless lawyers come up when I run a Google search and I’m not sure which lawyer would be best for me. How do I know which lawyer might be right for me? What questions should I ask the lawyer?

It is comforting to know that you have a good lawyer protecting your interests. But if this is your first time hiring a lawyer, how do you go about finding one that’s right for you?

There are several factors to consider when hiring a lawyer. First, be certain that the lawyer has relevant experience in the area of the law that you need help. For example, don’t hire a lawyer with a specialty in real estate transactions to defend your DUI. Second, pick a lawyer that is accessible and will give sufficient attention to your questions and concerns. It is important to know how the lawyer will keep you updated on your case. A common complaint about lawyers is that they are unavailable for regular contact once they have taken on the assignment. Third, confirm the person at the law firm that will actually handle the case on a regular basis. You might initially meet a senior attorney, but it’s possible a junior associate or paralegal could do a lot of the work. Fourth, ask the attorney the likely timeline and possible outcomes (good and bad) for the case. Realistic (not unreasonably optimistic) expectations are helpful at the outset.

It is also important to confirm the billing structure. Contingent fee billing, which typically allows the lawyer to take a percentage of any amount obtained on the client’s behalf, is common in personal injury cases. Flat fees are used for more straightforward matters, like drafting a standard will or handling a simple divorce. Many attorneys will also bill by the hour, with hourly rates that can exceed $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience and practice area.

One of the best ways to find a new attorney is to ask people that you trust for recommendations. Lawyers value their existing relationships, so they should be motivated to do good work for you if they already have a positive relationship with a family member, friend, or business colleague. Take a look at “The Common Law” archives for several organizations that focus on matching people with legal problems to lawyers who can help them.