When you need legal representation, you want to ensure that you have the best attorney by your side. This way, you’ll have a higher chance of winning your case or getting a favorable ruling. The question now is, with all the lawyers out there to choose from, how can you ensure that you’ll be able to hire the right one for you? To help you, here are some factors you need to consider when choosing a legal counsel:
- Experience
One of the first things you should consider when selecting a lawyer is their level of experience. You should make sure that the legal firm that’s representing you has already handled cases similar to yours.
For example, if you need assistance filing for your insurance claims, your attorney should be experienced in representing policyholders in insurance coverage or bad faith litigation. Hiring such a lawyer can give you peace of mind, knowing they can help you with your needs.
- Qualifications
Before hiring one of your prospective lawyers, you should conduct a little research about them to ensure that they really are qualified. Check if they have an active license and a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
- Area of Law
Although there are general practice attorneys, some tend to specialize in certain areas of the law. Hence, there are different types of attorneys, such as civil litigation lawyers, personal injury lawyers, immigration lawyers, criminal lawyers, and worker’s compensation lawyers. So, when choosing among your prospective attorneys, you should check first which area of law they specialize in.
- Track Record and Success Rate
The lawyer’s track record and success rate are also important to consider before hiring them. They would be representing you in court, and you’ll surely want someone to get you a favorable ruling.
The easiest way to get information about your prospective attorney’s track record and the success rate is to ask them directly. You can also check their website and social media pages and read any testimonials or feedback from their previous clients. Seeing more negative comments than positive ones could be a sign that the lawyer isn’t the right one for you.
- Location
Some laws in the US vary by state, which means that what’s legal in one region may not be in the next. Examples of these rules and regulations include business, custody, divorce, gun control, marriage, and motor carrier laws. So, make sure that you hire an attorney who’s knowledgeable about your state’s legal requirements.
Hiring a legal firm that’s located near your place would also be beneficial for you since you won’t have to travel far whenever you need to visit their workplace. You can easily drop by their office if you need to discuss important things with them in person.
- Cost and Payment Methods
Lawyers usually offer their services for a cost, which could be an hourly fee, a contingency fee, a negotiable fee, a flat rate, a statutory fee, or a retainer for future fees. Their rates typically depend on different factors, such as their years of practice, level of expertise, and record of success. Those with more years of experience and an excellent track record usually charge higher fees.
So, before hiring a lawyer, ask them for a quote first to check if you can afford them. It would be best to inquire about how they bill their clients. Some attorneys require you to pay the full amount, irrespective of whether they win or lose your case. Others would only ask you to pay half of the fee, then pay the balance once they win the lawsuit.
In addition, you should also know what the legal firm’s payment methods are, so you can prepare your budget. Do they only accept cash, or can you use other methods like a check, an electronic check, a debit or credit card, and legal fee funding?
- Comfort Level
Legal matters can be extremely sensitive and personal, so you must choose a lawyer you feel most comfortable with. This way, you’ll be able to easily ask them any questions and share with them any crucial information that might help win your case.
Find the Best Lawyer in Your Area Today!
Keep in mind all the factors listed above whenever you need to look for a lawyer. You’ll find the right attorney to help you with your case.
