Dec 29, 2016 · When Finding the Right Lawyer Seems Daunting, Crowdsource One Give this article Ryan Caltagirone, left, and Matthew W. Horn are partners in Legal Services Link, which uses crowdsourcing to aid...
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Aug 07, 2017 · Below are some of the basic steps you should take to find the right lawyer for your case. Step 1: Identify the legal area in which your case falls. ... Prepare questions to ask to determine whether the lawyer is the right one for you. Step 1: Identify your legal area. First, understand the general area into which your case falls. ...
Determining how to deal with legal issues you are facing can be challenging. One of the most important early steps you can take is finding a lawyer partner in your journey to help ensure your next steps are the right ones.
First, understand the general area into which your case falls. Cases commonly span different legal areas and it may be worth interviewing lawyers across different specialties who have experience with issues related to your case.
Once you have identified the general legal area under which your case falls, you can better target your search using both online sources and referrals.
Your local bar association will have resources to help you find a lawyer in your state. Some of the referral services are free and others have a small attorney consultation fee. The American Bar Association maintains a national directory of lawyer referral services organized by state:
Personal referrals from people you trust are a good way to get recommendations. Friends, family and colleagues can be important resources in your discovery and research process.
Even after you have identified the general area of law your case falls under, there are many subspecialties and considerations.
Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.
Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.
Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.
Fortunately, many lawyers will work with you to help you acquire a good working knowledge of the legal principles and procedures you need to deal with your problem at least partly on your own. If you are hoping to represent yourself and use a lawyer only for advice, make sure the lawyer is open to that type of set-up.
A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.