Most everyone will face legal issues at some point in their lives, or at least times with the aid of a licensed legal professional would help. But how does someone know if they’re getting one of the best attorneys that their area has to offer? Given the gravity of the issues that an attorney is likely to handle, a simple Google search or scan through the phone book may not be enough to find the right professional.
Everyone has seen the flashy television commercials of high priced “celebrity lawyers” who appear in between late night shows and promise untold rewards for instances of personal injury. While it may be tempting to call the flashing 1-800 number on the screen, it is important to remember that those attorneys didn’t become as successful as they are today by working cheap. If funds are tight for this particular matter or the case simply doesn’t require that sort of attention, it may be beneficial to run a search for the contemporaries of that type of lawyer using keywords based upon the type of action you are attempting to take.
Consider where legal professionals in your area come from. If there is a law school in your area, there is a good chance that a multitude of alums from that school have set up practices nearby. A search on LinkedIn could identify some of these professionals. Word of mouth is also still a viable option. If you’re getting a divorce, who did your friend Sheila use when she got her divorce three years ago? It’s important to remember that you most likely won’t be the first person in your particular situation for whoever you pick, so if you know someone with a similar experience, you can gather a good sense of what to expect.
The final step in picking the attorney that’s right for you is the consultation. Try to find an attorney who will offer a free one. There’ll be plenty of time to open your pocket book later. Get a good sense of the place during your initial appointment. Try to evaluate not only the competency of the attorney themselves, but of the staff as well. Is the legal secretary upfront organized and proficient or is their desk a sea of random documents spilled out over binders with no order to anything. Are the staff professional and courteous or do they seem corporate and cold? Finally, ask yourself if the attorney themselves is the man or woman equipped to get the job done.