3 Tips for How to Hire a Lawyer
There are about 1.33 million active lawyers in the United States, so if you’re looking to lawyer up, there isn’t a shortage of options.
However, not all lawyers are qualified or best suited to handle your issue. This means that if you’ve no experience dealing with lawyers, you might not know how to find and hire the best lawyer.
Whether you’re looking to sue another party or you’re the one facing a lawsuit, or your issue has nothing to do with the justice system, it’s prudent to ensure you have the right person on your team.
Read on for a guide on how to hire a lawyer.
What’s the Nature of the Issue You Need Help With?
The first step to hiring a lawyer is to have a good understanding of the issue you’re facing.
While you might be convinced that you need to lawyer up, there’s a possibility you don’t even need a lawyer at all. For example, if you’re going through a divorce, it’s natural to assume that the first person you should call is an attorney. However, if your split is mutual and there are no complex issues touching on the property, child support, and alimony to work out, there might not be a real need to hire a lawyer.
Many lawyers offer free cases consultations or evaluations. Talking to a couple of them can help you make an informed decision on whether you need a lawyer.
Make a List of Candidate Lawyers
Regardless of your issue, you’re bound to find tens of lawyers who’re qualified to help you. However, just because the lawyers have a license to practice doesn’t mean they’re the same. Factors such as experience, professionalism, and cost make lawyers different.
To enhance your chances of finding the perfect lawyer for your needs, start by making a list of about 3-5 lawyers. This way, you can use an elimination method to zero in on the best lawyer from the pack.
A good place to find lawyers to fill your list is on the web. A simple search on Google, for instance, will lead you to several top-rated lawyers in your region.
Keep in mind that you need to search for specific types of lawyers. If you have a case of medical malpractice, search for medical malpractice attorneys in your area. On that note, here’s more info on how to start a medical malpractice case.
You can also find lawyers by asking around. Your friends and relatives can offer reliable leads to good lawyers.
Solo Lawyer or Law Firm Lawyer?
A significant decision to make when hiring a lawyer is choosing between solo lawyers and law firm lawyers. Solo lawyers are typically lawyers who aren’t associated with any law firm while law firm lawyers are part of a team in an established law firm.
Both types of lawyers will give you the services you need, but the nature of your issue should influence your choice. If you’re facing a complex legal issue that could end up in a trial court, you’re better off leveraging the vast resources of a big law firm. But if it’s a minor issue that’s fairly straightforward, you could do with a solo lawyer.
Hire a Lawyer Like a Pro
There are times you need a lawyer. Whether it’s to review a contract before you sign it or to defend yourself in a criminal case, you need to hire a lawyer who will get the job done. With this guide, you’re well-informed on how to find the best lawyer.
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