Just like when choosing an accountant or contractor, you have to be careful when choosing an attorney. Just think about it – you’ll be sharing confidential information with them and you’ll entrust them to guide you through a situation you don’t know how to handle on your own. If you want to make the right choice, there are some things you have to consider before you opt for an attorney.
Here are five of them you definitely shouldn’t ignore.
Reputation
When hiring someone to perform a service, it’s critical to make sure they’re the right person for the task. This is why checking the lawyer’s reputation before you hire them is a must. The easiest way to go is to talk to people who’ve hired them in the past. Turn to your friends or social media followers for recommendations and opinions.
Another thing you can do is seek out referral services on the web to be paired with a reputable attorney. Many attorneys in encourage clients to write online reviews and reading them is also a good idea.
Area of law
Law is a huge line of study which is why some attorneys specialize in certain areas of it. For example, some attorneys cover family law, while others pursue business, real estate, or civil rights law. Of course, there are also general practice attorneys who’re open to a whole range of situations. Think about your situation and what type of attorney suits your needs the best. Let’s say you need help settling a loved one’s estate. You can turn to an estate planning lawyer and have them guide you through the entire process.
Location
Lawyers vary by the area they operate in. This is why you have to turn to an attorney who’s familiar with all the local rules and regulations. Your safest bet is to find a reputable attorney who operates in the city you’re based in. So, let’s say you’re based in Sydney and you’re involved in a criminal procedure. The smartest thing to do is to look for Sydney criminal lawyers and start working with one that suits your needs. Opting for someone whose office isn’t far away from your home can be a real lifesaver, considering how many meetings you’ll have.
Experience
Another smart thing to do when choosing an attorney is to look for someone with plenty of experience. Of course, rookie attorneys may be just as good. They should also be able to adapt as the world of law is constantly changing, as seen in this video by Jennifer Croker regarding updates to family law. But if you don’t know much about law, working with someone with plenty of experience can make things a lot easier. If they match your situation and budget then by all means go for it. You probably already know some attorneys based in your area who’ve been operating for some time. Give them a call and if they’re the right fit, there’s no reason not to hire them.
Communication
Communication plays a huge role in the relationship with your attorney. If there’s not enough communication, chances are you’re better off working with someone else. Therefore, it’s important to establish proactive communication from day one. Talk to them about your preferred means of communication and discuss the hours both of you are available. That way, you won’t have to worry about missed calls and unread emails. Also, agree on regular check-in times to discuss updates.
Choosing a lawyer isn’t easy and you may not find someone you enjoy working with right away. Therefore, make a list of potential attorneys and start narrowing it down. Research and interview everyone on the list until you find someone you feel comfortable working with.
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to marketing and latest business trends. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
