Find a lawyer using these three tips
If you need to find a lawyer, you should first read this article to avoid making a costly mistake. You should know where to get a lawyer referral, as well as avoid lawyer advertising.
A competent attorney will provide a certain level of customer service and discuss payment arrangements up front. Before you visit that attorney you saw on TV or in the phone book, take a minute to arm yourself with information that could save you thousands of dollars.
Find a lawyer with a friend’s referral
Most clients do not know where to start looking for a lawyer. So, they contact the lawyer with the most outrageous TV commercial or the biggest yellow ad. This is often a mistake.
Instead, you should get a referral from a friend who has used a lawyer for the type of legal problems you are facing. You can also contact your family’s accountant, banker, or even pastor to find a lawyer he can trust. In all cases, follow up on your referral by consulting the attorney online. There are several lawyer rating services available online. But it doesn’t stop there. You should also review the lawyer’s commitment to customer service.
Evaluate your attorney’s commitment to service
Most clients are dissatisfied with their attorney because the attorney does not treat them with the respect that a paying client deserves. Specifically, the biggest complaint is that the attorney does not keep his client up to date on the status of the case. A competent and professional lawyer will return phone calls and provide regular written status reports to his client.
Additionally, a good attorney will be able to collect evidence, reports, medical records, and witness statements in a timely and efficient manner. Once you understand what to expect in terms of customer service, you can start thinking about how you will compensate your attorney for services rendered.
Discuss attorney fees up front
The most important question clients have when trying to find a lawyer is how they are going to pay for their services. This issue should be discussed very early in the attorney selection process. Depending on the type of case, the lawyer may charge a flat fee for simple matters, an hourly rate for other services.
Personal injury clients will likely be offered a contingency fee agreement (or modified contingency fee) for which no up-front money will be required. Regardless of the type of fee arrangement, the fee agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Search for lawyers with confidence
Now that you know more about how to find a lawyer, you can do so with confidence. Find a lawyer through referrals from friends or trusted professionals, not through TV or phone ads. Demand superior service and respect from your lawyer. Lastly, discuss your attorney’s fees ahead of time and get the agreement in writing. So keep these key points in mind as you go out and find a lawyer who will serve you well.
