4 Tips for Finding the Right, and Competent, Attorney
Any time you encounter a legal matter that is complex or involves large amounts of money, you should reach out to an attorney to help you address the issue. Attorneys are not just excellent resources for legal advice, but they also apply the skills gained over their training and careers to help you overcome the legal challenges you face.
But how do you choose the right lawyer for your specific issue?
When you hire an attorney, do more than just call up the firm that ranks highest in a Google search. Below are some strategies you should employ to ensure you find the right attorney for you:
Referrals
If you have any friends or family members who have hired an attorney for a similar issue, get referrals from them. While online reviews can provide you with at least an idea of the kind of service you will get from an attorney, it is much more likely that you will get more trustworthy and detailed reports from people you know personally.
Never make a decision about hiring an attorney solely based on the recommendation of a friend or loved one. But you should definitely take these referrals into consideration as you review all your options.
Online services
There are a variety of websites that provide easy connections to attorneys in your area based on where you live and the type of legal issue you are facing. After answering a few questions about your case and providing the service with your contact information, the website passes it on to attorneys who fit your case, who will contact you directly.
There are also many different attorney directories you can find online, which provide profiles for legal professionals in your area and their contact information. The profiles help you learn more about each attorney’s experience, background, education, and fees, along with his or her general legal philosophies. In some circumstances, you might be able to get a history of case results.
Experience in one practice area
If your case falls into a particular legal niche, consider looking for an attorney who focuses on that area of practice. A general practitioner in a certain practice area might not be sufficient for your case, so you will be best served by someone with a history of focusing on and succeeding with the type of legal issue with which you are dealing.
Personal interviews
Take the opportunity to sit down and meet with your top attorney prospects after you have narrowed down your list. Pay attention to the personal rapport you develop with your prospective legal counsel during the conversation. If you feel uncomfortable talking to the attorney, the relationship likely will not work out. You should also pay close attention to the attorney’s communication skills, promptness, and general willingness to work with you to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your case.
Finding the right attorney for you could mean the difference between failure and success when it comes to addressing your legal issue. Be sure to do your research and take the time to carefully consider your options before making a final decision.
We are Legal Malpractice Attorneys
While no attorney takes pleasure in suing another member of the profession, there are times when it is both necessary and warranted. If you hired an attorney in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or other cities in California who failed to handle your case properly, filing a legal malpractice action for misconduct could be in your best interest. Most people do not realize that as clients – or former clients — they have the right to hire an attorney to bring an action against their former attorney. In fact, people are often intimidated by their lawyer or the legal process in general, so they’re afraid to consider suing a lawyer. Our law firm is here to help you. We represent clients in legal malpractice cases across California to achieve redress for their wrongs and to maintain the high standards of the legal profession.
If you have any questions, call (415) 352-0980 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal malpractice attorneys.
