how to know the right lawyer for your case

How to Find the Right Lawyer for Your Needs

• Start by getting a recommendation. Obtaining personal referrals is usually the best place to begin when searching for a...
• View attorney advertisements with a healthy dose of skepticism. While advertisements can help you survey the legal...
• Interview your potential attorneys. Once you’ve narrowed down a list of a few potential...

Full Answer

How do I find the right lawyer for my case?

 · 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.

What should you look for when hiring a lawyer?

Your lawyer should make no major decision about whether and how to go on with the case without your permission. Pay special attention to whether the lawyer seems willing and able to explain the case to you and answers your questions clearly and completely. Also ask what information will be supplied to you.

How to find a reliable lawyer?

Finally, it's important to research the attorney before hiring him or her. You can often find online reviews from past clients, and you can check to see if the lawyer has ever had misconduct complaints against him or her. Types of Law Firms. There are many different types of …

How can I get a lawyer to refer me to someone?

 · LegalMatch.com is a fast, free, and confidential online platform to help you find the right lawyer for your case. LegalMatch.com provides attorney-client matching services based on the type of case, type of lawyer needed, and your location. You simply submit your legal issue and you will be matched with a lawyer that can help. There is no fee to submit your case. The …

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

Can you be incarcerated for six months?

If you are accused of a crime, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, either the judge hearing the case will appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government’s public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.

Start by getting a recommendation

Obtaining personal referrals is usually the best place to begin when searching for a lawyer with a proven track record—and it’ll also help you avoid those that haven’t been so successful.

View attorney advertisements with a healthy dose of skepticism

While advertisements can help you survey the legal landscape, keep in mind that they are one-sided and biased. Be wary about everything you read and hear, especially advertisements.

Interview your potential attorneys

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of a few potential attorneys in an appropriate practice area, set up a time for a phone call or in-person meeting. Many lawyers offer free consultations; in addition to gauging their enthusiasm and availability to handle your legal matter, some questions you should ask may include:

Know your monetary limits

Part of choosing the right lawyer is setting a budget beforehand and sticking to it. You won’t be able to enjoy winning your case if you have a debt to deal with in the aftermath. Even if the lawyer you want to work with is outside of your budget, you can always ask them to recommend someone within the same practice area and in your price range.

Trust your gut

It can be quite discouraging to go through the process of choosing a lawyer only to realize that you don’t mesh well together or that they aren’t effectively attending to your legal needs.

Can I meet with a lawyer before deciding to hire him or her?

A lawyer will usually meet with you briefly or talk with you by phone so the two of you can get acquainted. This meeting is a chance to talk with the lawyer before making a final hiring decision. In many cases, there is no fee charged for an initial consultation.

What sort of questions should I ask a lawyer?

Ask about the lawyer’s experience and areas of practice. How long has the lawyer been practicing law? What kinds of legal problems does the lawyer handle most often? Are most clients individuals or businesses?

Is it proper to ask the lawyer if anyone else will be working on my case?

Since you are the one paying the bill, it is well within your rights. Ask if staff such as paralegals or law clerks will be used in researching or preparing the case.

I met with a lawyer who referred me to another lawyer. Should I be angry?

Probably not. Occasionally, a lawyer will suggest that someone else in the same firm or an outside lawyer handle your problem. Perhaps the original lawyer is too busy to give your case the full attention it deserves. Maybe your problem requires another’s expertise. No one likes to feel that a lawyer is shifting him or her to another lawyer.

What, in particular, should I ask about fees and costs?

How are fees charged — by the hour, by the case, or by the amount won? About how much money will be required to handle the case from start to finish? When must you pay the bill? Can you pay it in installments? Ask for a written statement explaining how and what fees will be charged, and a monthly statement showing specific services rendered and the charge for each..

When I first meet with my prospective lawyer, should I ask about the possible outcome of the case?

Certainly, but beware of any lawyer who guarantees a big settlement or assures a victory in court. Remember that there are at least two sides to every legal issue and that many factors can affect its resolution. Ask for the lawyer’s opinion of your case’s strengths and weaknesses.

Should I ask if and how I can help with my case?

Yes. It is often in your interests to participate actively in your case. When you hire a lawyer, you are paying for legal advice. Your lawyer should make no major decision about whether and how to go on with the case without your permission.

Is it important to have a good lawyer?

It's important to understand that a good lawyer doesn't guarantee that you'll win your case. However, having a good lawyer will give you have the best chances for a favorable outcome and the comfort of knowing that you had the best legal representation.

How many lawyers are in a small law firm?

A small law firm, which is also sometimes called a boutique law firm, can have anywhere from 2 to 10 lawyers. A small law firm can often give the feel of a solo law firm, but has the benefit of your lawyer being able to collaborate with his or her coworkers when there is a complicated legal matter. Multiple lawyers can also mean ...

What is a solo law firm?

A solo law firm is exactly what it sounds like – a law firm run by a single lawyer. Solo practitioners, as they are often called, generally handle a variety of topics but may also specialize in one particular area of law.

What is a solo practitioner?

Solo practitioners, as they are often called, generally handle a variety of topics but may also specialize in one particular area of law. Usually solo practitioners are less expensive than larger firms, and can provide more one-on-one personal attention.

What can a lawyer advise on?

A lawyer can advise an individual what they may be entitled to in their state, as laws vary by state. Issues may include alimony and child support. Without a lawyer, an individual runs the risk of inadvertently waiving their rights to alimony, visitation with their children, or even custody of their children.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

What does it mean to practice law?

“Practicing law” can mean many things, including drafting legal documents, representing a client in court, and/or providing legal advice to a client.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

What is a crime?

Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. Another category of criminal law includes local ordinances, infractions, and/or minor traffic violations. These types of offenses are punishable only by ...

Can a guilty plea affect immigration status?

Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor charges, can have long-term consequences. A guilty plea can also affect immigration status or lead to deportation of a non-citizen. It is important to remember that, in most cases, when an individual cannot afford a criminal lawyer, the court will appoint one to represent them.

Tap Your Network

Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find.

Do Some Research

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Now that you have some attorney options, it’s time to choose. To get you started, here’s a list of questions to ask an attorney before hiring them:

More Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

Do not believe everything you see on websites

Many lawyers out there have created very convincing websites, promising great results for clients. But what you read on the internet may be true, or may not. So, do not believe everything online, and don’t take for granted the importance of a good research to make sure that what you read is true.

Research!

The first mistake that people do when it comes to hiring a lawyer is not shop around. If you’re looking for personal injury lawyers providence in Rhode Island, you should prepare yourself well enough and explore all your options out there before deciding who should represent you in court.

Discuss the fees before

Lawyers have different fees. It is important that you discuss all the financial fees before, so you can decide whether you afford to pay for the legal services or not. Planning a budget isn’t quite a great idea. You should discuss the fees before and make sure you don’t get unpleasant surprise at the end of the case.

Ask the right questions

If you don’t meet the lawyer in person, how can you decide whether is the right choice for you or not? The right lawyer should be communicative, spend most of their time trying to solve your case, answer all your phone calls, and support you until the end of the trial.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

Can a lawyer take your money?

While lawyers can certainly take your money and your time and we can file a case that will be very hard to win, if you don't care enough about your life to get a contract, the judge is not very likely to be on your side. At least, not automatically. Oral contracts are extremely hard to prove. What are the terms.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a client?

Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

Do juries get it right?

While juries usually get it right, sometimes, it's not about whether a particular matter is emotional or simple, complicated or straightforward. Sometimes people make decisions on who has the nicer suit, or who is more pleasant to deal with. So even if your case is good or even if it's not so strong.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.