how to find, hire, use a lawyer

The best way to find a lawyer is through word of mouth and referrals. Wide variations exist in the skill level and expertise of each lawyer so recommendations from friends and acquaintances are a good way to locate quality legal talent. The nature of your legal problem will determine the type of lawyer you need to hire.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

The Framework Governing Attorneys’ Fees

• Contingent Fee Agreements for Employees. Most employment attorneys charge employees on a contingency fee basis for work on civil lawsuits. ...
• Hourly Fees for Employers. Most employment attorneys charge employers on an hourly, or sometimes on a flat fee basis. ...
• Hourly Fees for Employees. ...
• Using Conscionability to Evaluate Proposed Fee Agreements. ...

What to expect when you hire an attorney on retainer?

What to Expect When You Hire a Lawyer

• Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Lawyer. Brian: Always be aware of the agreement you entered into. ...
• Red Flags. Shant: At the end of the case, with large settlements or verdicts, often the client’s net recover can be put into a “structure” or an annuity, which can ...
• A Few Final Thoughts. ...

How do you hire an attorney?

• Someone with a simple situation, like passing a small estate all to one person, may not need to pay for a lawyer’s help
• Business owners and people with assets in other states or countries should consider hiring a lawyer
• Your documents could be more complex if you care for someone who is incapacitated or has special needs

More items...

How to hire the best attorney for You?

“You want a local law firm that tries cases, knows and is known by the judges in your community, not someone the TV law firm found because they aren’t able to provide their clients with competent professional service,” Cohn underscsores. And before you hire the attorney … Cohn lists these five important steps before retaining a lawyer.

What is it called when you hire a lawyer?

When someone threatens to call “their” lawyer, it likely means that they have a lawyer "on retainer." To have a lawyer on retainer means that you – the client – pay a lawyer a small amount on a regular basis.

How do you find a good attorney?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

How do you know if you hired a good lawyer?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.

How much does it cost to get a lawyer in Nigeria?

A professional fee is based on each matter, for example, if you are doing divorce, your professional fee is about N1 million or N1. 5 million if you are doing criminal cases. “For matters that have to do with the title, we charge 5 per cent of the value of the property.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What questions should you ask when hiring a lawyer?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

Will a lawyer take a losing case?

If your case isn't winnable, no lawyer will want to waste your time, or the court's time, pursuing legal action. However, if you have a case where the facts and evidence are in question, but the damages you could recover are high, an attorney with extensive experience in cases like yours might take the case.

Why do lawyers ignore you?

If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

You can pay anywhere from $50 to thousands per hour. Smaller towns and cities generally cost less while heavily populated, urban areas are most expensive. The more complicated the case and the more experienced the attorney, the more you'll pay. Lawyer fees can range from $255 to $520 per hour.

How much do lawyers charge to draft a contract in Nigeria?

between 5% to 10%Usually, most lawyers in Nigeria charges between 5% to 10% of the cost of the property to prepare a deed of assignment. So, for a property being purchased at N20,000,000, a lawyer may charge N1,000,000 (5%) of the cost to prepare deeds and other necessary documents.

What services do lawyers provide?

Types of Services Lawyers Can ProvideConsultation for legal information and advice.Consultation to review documents (such as agreements, leases, wills, corporation documents, do-it-yourself court forms)Mediation, arbitration, or other third party services.Preparation of documents.More items...

How to find a good lawyer?

Finding the Right Kind of Lawyer 1 Ask family, friends, or co-workers for recommendations. 2 Check with your state and local bar associations. 3 Consult lawyer referral services offered by a union or community group you belong to.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't treat you fairly?

If you think your lawyer didn't treat you fairly, didn’t handle your case effectively, or overcharged you, talk with him or her and try to work out an agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you may be free to fire your lawyer, or you may need a judge’s permission.

What happens if you don't get a lawyer's fee?

In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes on the risk that your case might be unsuccessful. If you don’t get any money, your lawyer won’t get attorney’s fees. In some contingency fee arrangements, you might have to reimburse the lawyer for case-related expenses even if you don’t win your case.

What does it mean to pay a lawyer a flat fee?

If you pay a flat or “fixed” fee, you pay the lawyer a set dollar amount for a service, like writing a will. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for uncomplicated services like drafting incorporation papers, handling an uncontested divorce, or filing a simple bankruptcy.

How do lawyers charge?

When you choose a lawyer, you’ll talk about how to pay for their services. Most lawyers charge by the hour, or part of the hour, they spend working on a case. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a service, like writing a will. Others charge a contingent fee and get a share of the money their client gets in a case. Your lawyer should tell you if ¾ in addition to paying a fee ¾ they’ll charge you for expenses related to your case: for example, copying documents, court filing fees, or depositions.

What is a retainer in a lawyer?

Before your lawyer starts to work on your case, they may ask you to pay a financial deposit, called a retainer. The lawyer may use the retainer to pay expenses and fees.

What is the area of law that lawyers specialize in?

Many lawyers specialize in certain areas of law, such as family, estate, personal injury, contracts, or civil rights. It’s important to find a lawyer who has relevant experience with the legal area that you need. Take time to search for the right lawyer.

What is legal aid?

If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, you can contact your local legal aid office, an organization that provides free or pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals in non-criminal matters.

Can a lawyer recommend other lawyers?

Lawyers can often recommend other lawyers in the legal community who can assist you with your specific needs. Legal circles are small and most lawyer s will know several other lawyers who specialize in the practice area for which you seek advice.

Do lawyers get referral fees?

Lawyers are also aware of other lawyer’s reputations in a particular practice field. Keep in mind, however, that lawyers often receive referral fees when they refer a case to another lawyer which may influence their decision as to whom they recommend.

Does the American Bar Association have a referral database?

Most county and city bar associations offer lawyer referral services to the public although they do not necessarily screen for qualifications. The American Bar Association also maintains a database which offers assistance to consumers seeking legal help.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers typically specialize in one type of law, or a few related practice areas. For example, one lawyer may only work on family-related immigration cases, while another may handle a wide variety of injury cases. Some attorneys don't undertake litigation at all, but serve more transactional or advisory roles.

Why do we need a lawyer?

Having the right attorney when you need one can help you resolve a dispute with neighbors, end a marriage, enforce your rights in the workplace, or even avoid prison time. When life gets legal, whether it's a DUI charge or a positive event such as adoption, it often makes sense to get a lawyer.

What type of attorney handles divorce cases?

A criminal defense attorney, for instance, may specialize in defending clients against DUI charges. A family law attorney may handle primarily divorce cases, or even specialize in custody disputes.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney may handle primarily divorce cases, or even specialize in custody disputes. Lawyers also differ in the way their respective firms are structured, ranging in size from single-attorney practices to large, multi-state (or even multinational) firms with thousands of attorneys on staff.

How does FindLaw help you?

FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer not only helps you determine when you should hire a lawyer, but also helps you choose the right one, understand legal fees and agreements, and get some peace of mind. While lawyers can seem expensive, not having legal counsel when you need it can be far more costly. Practice Areas.

How many lawyers are in a boutique firm?

In the middle are small firms, which employ between two and 10 lawyers and are sometimes called "boutique" firms. They offer the attention provided by single-attorney firms, but with enough depth to take on a broader range of legal topics.

Can a single attorney set up a living will?

A single attorney, perhaps working solo, is capable of setting up a living will and trust. But a large company going through a major acquisition will hire a large firm with deep resources and specialized staff attorneys. Some legal issues do not require the help of an attorney.

How to find a lawyer for my business?

A capable lawyer will fight for your needs and keep your business safe, utilizing advanced skills in research, organization, and communication. To find a lawyer you can trust to represent your business, look for qualifications and work experience that demonstrate top legal skills.

How to get a lawyer to work?

Trust your lawyers to handle their cases competently without micromanaging everything they do. Flexible working hours and locations can give your lawyers job satisfaction. Emphasize work-life balance with your lawyers to help them avoid burnout. Promoting lawyers from within is also a motivator since your lawyers will know they have the chance to advance.

How to decide if a law firm needs a new lawyer?

When deciding if your law firm needs a new lawyer, look at the current caseload and your staff’s ability to handle it. If they’re constantly overloaded, it’s likely time to hire a new lawyer. If your current lawyers only occasionally need help keeping up, using an “of counsel” lawyer or freelance lawyer can help you get through the busy times.

What is an associate lawyer?

Associates: This is the name for most of the lawyers at the firm who aren’t partners yet. They work directly with clients handling cases. Some firms distinguish between junior and senior associates.

How do lawyers move through the ranks?

Lawyers move through ranks based on both years of experience and merit. In a typical law office, these are the ranks of lawyers:

What is a good job description for a lawyer?

A lawyer job description should include a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities, and the required and preferred skills for the position.

How to attract law school graduates?

Offer internships. Set up a summer associate program to attract recent law school graduates. Offer full-time jobs to the interns with the most promise.

What to do after finding a lawyer?

Lastly, after you've found a lawyer to work with, you should research the attorney's discipline record and investigate whether the attorney is currently eligible to practice law.

How to find a good attorney?

Not only can they recount first-hand experience with the attorney, they can give you insight on the attorney's business practices, mannerisms, and handling of fees. Keep in mind, however, that your legal issue may be different than your family member's case, which may affect whether your friend or family member's attorney is right for you. However, it's a start. And your friend or family member's attorney can possibly point you to another lawyer in his or her network if necessary.

How to find a lawyer in your state?

State Bar Associations can be a good way to locate a lawyer in your state. Most bar association's websites contain comprehensive listings of attorneys licensed to practice in the state at best. In most cases, you can search for lawyers by name, location, and legal practice area, but may also conduct more advanced searches, such as languages spoken.

What to do with an advertisement for a lawyer?

While it certainly doesn't hurt to contact a lawyer that you find through an advertisement, you should always be prepared to ask some important questions during the "interview" with the lawyer.

What are some organizations that can help you become a lawyer?

These organizations, which often include minority bar associations, legal aid societies, and others, might focus on representing a certain type of client, such as low-income, or particular legal focus, such as immigration or family law. You can often access the names of volunteer legal organizations through a state's bar association website.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services can help direct you to lawyers in your area based on certain criteria, mainly practice area or special services, such as immigration, domestic violence or legal aid. Since lawyer referral services are similar to phone book listings, however, you may not receive information regarding the lawyer's experience or qualification levels. As such, you may wish to cross-check attorney names through the State bar or some other lawyer referral service that provides a better perspective of a lawyer's background.

How Do I Find a Lawyer?

Finding a lawyer can be difficult because so many people practice law in cities across the U.S. The process requires careful research and consultations with each potential attorney.

Why Is Finding a Lawyer Important?

Finding the right lawyer for your case can impact the outcome. An experienced lawyer in the area of your case will understand the necessary steps to improve your chances of having a favorable ruling. When working on other similar cases, a lawyer can also get a better feel for the requirements and regulations around your legal issue.

Reasons to Consider Not Finding a Lawyer

One of the most common reasons that someone might not hire a lawyer is the cost. Lawyer fees are not cheap, although options like flat-rate pricing can help reduce the overall cost. But even if you can't afford a lawyer, you don't have to go into your legal proceedings without any help.

Reasons to Consider Finding a Lawyer

Working with an experienced attorney comes with several benefits. You only have one chance to represent the information and win your case, so coming in with the best possible resources will help. The defendant and his/her lawyer may also change the strategy when they learn of who you choose to represent you.

What Could Happen When You Find a Lawyer?

With the right lawyer on your side, you can go into a legal battle with confidence. Your attorney will have the knowledge, tools, and resources to put together a strong case, helping to increase your odds of having a ruling in your favor.

What Could Happen When You Don't Find a Lawyer?

If you can't find a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident, it's better to keep looking than hire just anyone. A good lawyer should communicate promptly to give you the information you need. But going into certain types of cases without legal representation is difficult and complex.

Common Mistakes

One mistake that you could make while trying to find a lawyer is hiring the first one you meet. Take time and meet with several lawyers in the specialty of your case so you can get a feel for different approaches and options. Cost is certainly a factor when choosing a lawyer, but don't hire the cheapest one because that's what you can afford.

What are some good resources for finding a lawyer?

State bar associations are also good resources for finding lawyers who practice in the field in which you require assistance. Online resources can be another good source, and many such resources have the added benefit of offering consumer reviews, so you can see how other people have rated their interactions with a particular attorney.

Do lawyers work by themselves?

The legal team. Some lawyers work by themselves, while others have paralegals on their team or outsource some of the legal work to other lawyers. You want to make sure you know who will be handling your file, as this can have an impact on both the quality of the service you receive and the cost. Communication.

Attorney vs. Lawyer

The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" have a lot in common, but not all lawyers are attorneys.

Types of Lawyers

Whatever your legal problem, there’s likely an attorney who specializes in dealing specifically with your particular legal issue.

How to Find a Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer for you may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be if you know what questions to ask.

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How to Prepare for a Lawyer Consultation

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When to Hire a Lawyer

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Word of Mouth and Referrals

Local Bar Associations

• Another great resource for finding a lawyer in your area is your local bar association. Most county and city bar associations offer lawyer referral services to the public although they do not necessarily screen for qualifications. The American Bar Association also maintains a databasewhich offers assistance to consumers seeking legal help.

See more on thebalancecareers.com

Other Lawyers

Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory

Internet Resources

Legal Aid Services