The number of licensed attorneys across the US is now 15% higher than it was 10 years ago. In fact, there are now over 1,338,000 lawyers in the country. Before hiring an attorney, it helps to know exactly what you need.
Otherwise, you might choose an attorney who lacks the experience and expertise necessary to win your case.
Not sure who to hire? Here are a few tips for hiring a lawyer to help you narrow down your options.
Use these tips to find a lawyer you can count on to win your case today!
1. Consider Your Case
First, it’s important not to choose a general lawyer who has experience in a variety of cases. Instead, consider the details surrounding your case. Then, find a lawyer who specializes in handling cases like yours.
Their specialized experience could ensure you win.
Think about your legal situation. If you need a will or estate planning, hire an estate planning lawyer. For prenuptial agreements or divorces, choose a family lawyer.
Were you recently in an accident? Find a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury cases break down into different categories, though.
For example, a single personal injury lawyer might handle:
- Assault and battery cases
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Animal bites
- Product liability
- Worker’s compensation
- Slip and fall accidents
- Premise liability
You can even break these categories down further. For example, auto accidents include bike, pedestrian, motorcycle, car, and truck accidents. Medical malpractice can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication errors.
You can learn more about personal injury cases at robertsmarkland.com.
Before going to court, try to find a lawyer who specializes in your specific type of case. They’ll have a better understanding of the laws and procedures involved. They might know of recent cases that can impact your lawsuit, too.
2. Gather Referrals and Reviews
Begin building a list of lawyers based on the specialty relevant to your case. You can start by gathering personal referrals.
Talk to friends in the area and ask if they’ve hired a lawyer in the past year. If they have, ask about the case.
If they didn’t hire a lawyer that falls under the specialty you need, that’s okay. Instead, look into the law firm. Determine if the firm employs lawyers who take on cases like yours.
Ask each friend about their experience with the lawyer. For example, were they satisfied with the outcome of their case? Did they encounter any problems contacting the lawyer?
You can gather helpful insights from friends to determine which lawyers to research or avoid.
Otherwise, look online. You can visit your local bar association website to build a list of lawyers to research. Visit the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory, too.
While online, look for client reviews. Reading online reviews can help you learn more from people who were once in your position.
Find a lawyer who already has a strong professional reputation.
3. Look for Experience
Before hiring an attorney, it’s important to make sure they have years of experience handling cases.
Determine how long each lawyer on your list has worked in the industry. Consider how many cases they’ve handled in that time as well.
Then, determine how long they’ve specialized. Consider how many cases like yours they’ve handled, too.
Their prior experience could speak to their abilities to handle your case.
If they lack relevant experience, they might struggle to gain their footing. They might not have expertise relevant to your situation, either.
4. Check Their Credentials
Make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in the state. If their license isn’t up-to-date, keep searching. Focusing on hiring a lawyer with the proper credentials.
Determine if the lawyer has any other certifications or affiliations that can speak to their expertise, too.
5. Consider Their Track Record
Some lawyers are nervous about going to court to handle a case in front of a judge and jury. These lawyers might accept a lowball offer on your behalf to avoid going to court.
Before hiring an attorney, learn about their track record.
How many cases have they handled over the years? Consider how many of those cases went to court. Then, ask how many of those cases they won versus lost.
Make sure you hire a lawyer who has a strong track record. Their track record can speak to the likelihood they’ll win your case.
6. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with two or three lawyers on your list. Meeting them in person can help you determine if they’re the right fit.
Talk about the details of your case. Then, ask the lawyer what legal action or strategy they would recommend.
Focus on hiring an attorney who has an analytical mindset. These lawyers will know how to think on their feet. They’ll have an easier time responding to opposing counsel as a result.
Pay attention to how they speak. Are they clear, concise, and easy to understand? If you can’t understand them, a jury might not, either.
Look for someone with strong communication skills and confidence.
7. Ask About Their Network
Ask each lawyer about their professional network. For example, they might call on a medical expert to discuss your injuries. Perhaps they’ll have a private investigator gather evidence as they build your case.
Hiring a lawyer with a professional network can help strengthen your lawsuit or defense.
8. Discuss Their Fees
Before hiring an attorney, ask each lawyer about their fee structure.
Some lawyers work based on a fixed or hourly rate. You might have to pay a retainer, too.
Other lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They only require payment if they win your lawsuit. These lawyers might feel more motivated to fight harder.
State Your Case: 8 Tips for Hiring an Attorney You Can Count On
Don’t make the mistake of hiring an attorney in a rush. Instead, choose a lawyer you can trust to win your case. With these tips, you can make an informed decision before pursuing legal action.
Hire the right lawyer for your case with these tips today.
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