The number of lawyers within the US has increased by 15% in the last 10 years. If you need a lawyer, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. The first person you call isn’t necessarily the best lawyer for your case.
Here are a few tips that can help you find the best attorney based on your legal needs. Their experience and expertise can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Read on to learn how to search for an attorney today.
Consider the Details of Your Case
Before you begin vetting your options, take a moment to consider the details surrounding your case. Considering your situation will help you find the right attorney. Otherwise, you might struggle to narrow down your options.
You might choose an attorney who only has generalized experience and expertise. They might lack the expertise necessary to handle or win your case.
Instead, you can choose a lawyer based on your distinct needs.
Choose by Specialty
Once you’ve considered the details surrounding your case, you can choose a lawyer with specialized experience.
For example, you might need a:
- Bankruptcy lawyer
- Business/corporate lawyer
- Employment and labor lawyer
- Family lawyer
- Estate planning lawyer
- Immigration lawyer
- Tax lawyer
- Personal injury lawyer
- Immigration lawyer
- Intellectual property lawyer
- Constitutional lawyer
- Criminal defense lawyer
While exploring these different types of lawyers, you might recognize you need someone who has a specialty within one of these categories.
For example, personal injury lawyers handle auto accidents, slips and falls, and medical malpractice lawsuits. You can even narrow these specialties down further. Auto accidents might involve Uber or Lyft drivers, pedestrians, trucks, motorcycles, or cars.
Maybe you need help from lawyers that handle federal cases instead. Federal cases include criminal, civil, and bankruptcy cases.
As you begin your search for a lawyer, consider how many cases like yours they’ve handled. Confirm that they specialize in handling similar cases. Their specialized experience could ensure you reach a positive outcome for your case.
Gather Referrals
As you begin searching for lawyers within the right specialty, turn to friends and family members who live in your town. Ask if they can recommend a law firm or lawyer in the area.
If they hired a lawyer who doesn’t specialize in cases like yours, that’s okay. Ask if the law firm handles those cases instead.
For example, maybe you have a friend who filed for a divorce in the past year. The same law firm might handle criminal cases as well.
Otherwise, you can find client reviews online to learn more about the different lawyers in your area. Check the law firm’s website first. You can also find client testimonials on the firm’s Better Business Bureau and Google Business profiles.
Make sure the lawyers on your list have a strong, positive, professional reputation. If you find complaints filed against them, remove them from your list. Instead, focus on finding an attorney you can trust.
Check Their Experience
As you start narrowing down your choices, determine how long each attorney on your list has practiced law. Look into their credentials to determine when they graduated to ensure they have relevant education, too.
Otherwise, determine how long each attorney has specialized in their area of law.
Finding an attorney with years of experience relevant to your needs can help you feel more confident in your abilities. They can leverage that experience when building your lawsuit or defense.
While learning about the lawyer’s experience, consider how many cases like yours they’ve handled in the past year. If they don’t have recent relevant experience, keep searching. Otherwise, it’s possible they haven’t kept up with laws and procedures that can impact your lawsuit.
Double-check to determine how long they’ve practiced in the state as well. After all, some laws and procedures can vary based on where your case is handled.
A lawyer with local experience will also have professional resources they can use to strengthen your case. For example, they might call a medical expert or investigator to gather evidence and testimonials.
Consider Case History
It’s not enough to find an attorney with years of experience. The best attorneys will have a long history of wins under their belt. Finding a winner can help you feel confident in their ability to win your case.
Ask each attorney how many cases like yours they handled in the past year. Then, ask how many of those cases they won versus lost.
For personal injury cases, ask the lawyer how much they were able to win for each client, too. Understanding how much compensation they can win for their clients can help you determine if they can maximize your claim.
Finding a lawyer with a strong winning streak can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with three different lawyers you’re considering. Treat each appointment like an interview. Make a list of questions you want to ask beforehand.
For example, you can ask each lawyer about their experience and case history.
Consider asking how they’ll communicate with you as they handle your case, too. Will you speak with a paralegal or another attorney? Make sure they have a plan in place to provide updates.
Don’t forget to ask each lawyer about their fee structure, too.
Some will have you pay their retainer while others have an hourly fee. Some personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis instead.
Understanding the lawyer’s fee structure can help you determine if you can afford their services.
Find the Best Lawyer for Your Legal Needs Today
Finding the best lawyer for your case shouldn’t feel stressful or time-consuming. Instead, use these tips to find the best lawyer for your situation. With their help, you can ensure the best possible outcome.
They can help guide you every step of the way.
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