How do I choose a lawyer that is right for me?
Lawyers will typically schedule a consultation with a new client to assess the client’s needs and the lawyer’s tactics before making a final decision. This meeting may be held in-person or over the phone, and depending on the lawyer, may come with a consultation fee.
During the consultation, it is important to assess his or her experience and areas of practice. Useful questions to ask a lawyer may be:
- How long they have been practicing law in a specific field
- The most common type of cases they handle
- Whether their clients are typically corporations or individuals
- What their success rate is in regards to cases similar to yours
Feel free to ask for references
Keeping in mind that attorneys work with the help from paralegals, file clerks, and many others, ask if other staff will be helping prepare or research the case and if so, whether you will be billed for their services.
Additionally, think about the size of the law firm you are looking into, a large firm will have more of a reputation among other attorneys and judges, but a smaller firm will be able to prove you more personalized and swift attention. Deciding which is best for you depends on the case and personal preference.
Before making any final decisions, ask about the fees and the costs. Will the attorney be charging you by hour, by the case, or a percentage of the amount won? When are fees due? Can they be paid in installments? Additionally, ask for a written statement explaining the fees that will be charged displaying specific services and the fee for each one.
