Hiring an Attorney: How to Choose the Right Legal Representation

Your chances of winning your case are only as good as the attorney you hire.

Choosing an attorney can seem overwhelming, especially when there are so many options. But hiring an attorney is simple when you know what to look for.

Keep reading as we take a look at the most important questions you need to ask when hiring an attorney. 

What is the Lawyer’s Specialization?

One of the most important things to understand about hiring an attorney is that not all attorneys are going to be capable of handling your case.

Lawyers are a lot like doctors in the sense that they each have a specialty. Some lawyers are like primary care providers or family doctors. They are called general practice attorneys and handle a variety of different matters.

But when you have a serious problem, your primary care doctor is going to refer you to a specialist. The same concept applies to the world of lawyers. When you’re looking for the best lawyer for your case, you want to see a specialist.

Most lawyers choose a specialty when they are almost done with law school. They will focus their efforts on this area of law and most of their case experience will be in this area as well. For example, if you have a personal injury case, you want to look for an attorney who has experience handling personal injury cases like yours.

You can find information about what services a lawyer offers on their website. If you have a case that may go to trial, you want to make sure you are hiring an attorney with trial experience. 

How is Their Legal Reputation?

Another important question you should ask yourself and potential legal representation is about their legal reputation. A lawyer you can trust to handle your case will have a good reputation in the legal community.

You can do some research yourself to find out more about a law firm you are considering. You can also explore their website.

Search engines and review websites can provide valuable insight from former and current clients. You can also ask attorneys for testimonials from satisfied clients. 

What is Their Success Rate?

When you’re evaluating potential attorneys, one of the best measures of their competence is their past success rate.

Successful lawyers are proud of the work they’ve done for past clients and will usually display these results on their websites. If you can’t find this information online, don’t be afraid to ask directly.

As they say, past results are a good indicator of future success. When hiring an attorney, look for a team with significant experience and a proven track record of good results. 

Are They Passionate?

The difference between a lawyer who will push your paperwork through the system and one who will really put their heart into your case is their drive and motivation.

Why do they practice law? Why did they choose this specialty? These are questions you can ask them directly during your free consultation. But it’s also something you can get a sense of without asking directly.

The best attorney for your case is one who has empathy for your situation. This is usually something you can gauge from your interactions with them.

Do they take their time listening to your questions and providing thoughtful insightful answers? Or do they seem rushed and just trying to get you to sign on the dotted line?

Keep in mind that the way an attorney treats you when they are trying to earn your business is a huge indicator of how the rest of your experience will be. If they aren’t putting their best foot forward right out of the gate, you probably won’t get the service you deserve throughout the legal process.

On the other hand, if an attorney is compassionate, open, and genuinely invested in putting you at ease, you can expect good communication and their best effort for the remainder of your time as their client. 

What is Their Availability?

The last thing you want to do is hire legal representation that doesn’t have time for your case. Be sure to ask about a potential lawyer’s availability to handle your case.

How will they notify you about developments in your case? Who will be your main point of contact throughout the process? Will someone be available to answer any questions you may have?

An attorney who has the time and resources to handle your case will be happy to provide answers to these questions that will put your mind at ease. 

How Will You Pay?

You should always be on the same page as your potential attorney when it comes to costs and how they will be paid. This is usually discussed upfront and provided in writing in a fee agreement.

The best attorneys won’t make you pay unless they win your case. Then, they will be paid with a portion of your settlement or award. This is called a contingency fee agreement and is something you should ask about when hiring an attorney. 

Are You Hiring an Attorney?

If you’re interested in hiring an attorney, we would like to meet with you. Our team of professionals has the experience, passion, and resources to handle your case.

We take pride in our legal reputation and past results and would love to tell you more about how we can fight for your rights and answer any questions you may have.

Click here to schedule a free consultation today at no cost or obligation to learn more about what we can do for you.