Finding an Attorney: How to Choose the Right One

Any time that an individual requires the help, support and a service of an attorney, then it is a fair assumption that this is a particularly stressful time in their lives. Simply opening a phone book and selecting the first attorney in the book, or following a recommendation from a friend is not always the ideal solution (one of our beloved former law colleagues now runs this veterinary jobs site).

Law is a vast and complex profession and its hierarchy is structured in a similar way to a health professional. When you are ill, you may visit a GP who will then be able to refer you on to a specialist in your condition, it is through the medical expert with specific knowledge in your condition that additional help, treatment, support, and knowledge is gained. In legal circles, there are attorneys with a decent all round knowledge, who may be able to help you out, but also there are those that specialise in a certain branch of the law and it is this information that is most useful when selecting the right attorney for your situation.

Outlined below are seven key questions you should ask yourself when trying to find an attorney:

1. What legal expertise and specialism will my attorney need for my case?

This is always a key starting point. Understanding what branch of law your case would fall under is important in identifying which attorney will have the skill set to best state your case. Is your problem with the boundaries of family law, probate, criminal law, business law or perhaps a different aspect of law? Answering this question clearly and accurately, even if it takes an initial consultation with a member of the legal profession first to clarify, will help you make an informed choice on a professional who has the skill set best suited to represent your interests.

2. Who do I speak to when I call my attorney?

This may seem a somewhat flippant observation but in times of stress and worry, it is important for you to have an immediate and direct dialogue with your attorney whenever possible. If you call an attorney and never speak to them and instead your calls are taken by one of the paralegal team or other staff working in the office, then is that the reassurance you would want? A good attorney will not just have the knowledge but be available to speak with you when you need an issue clarifying. Another good marker is if they return your calls promptly or not. A good attorney will always return your call, even if they are forced to call in the evening if they have been busy throughout the day.

3. Do they have a proven record of accomplishment at trial?

While some cases may be settled before the need for a trial, it is important to understand that in some situations, a trial may be the only option for your attorney to get you the justice you deserve. Your attorney should, therefore, have a proven record of not only going to court to fight for their clients, but also achieving a level of success in doing so. Before you appoint an attorney, investigate what their successes have been in a court to clarify if they have the skills you need to represent you.

4. What charging system do they use to ensure you pay a fair, just price for their services?

Hiring an attorney can prove to be an expensive business, even if your costs are met by the other party. While expert legal representation is never going to be cheap, there are ways and means that an attorney can help reduce the legal fees you incur during a case and they should make that known to you. Legal teams can work to help reduce the cost to a client using a variety of means, while still providing a level of service that you would expect.

5. Does the attorney understand you, as well as your legal situation?

It is one of the fundamental principles of being an attorney that not only do you have to have a great understanding of legal matters and how the law works, its processes and implementation, but also that an equal part of the job is understanding that these issues can and do impact the individual. It is vital that your attorney has excellent interpersonal skills with you and that you can develop a professional relationship with them. A good attorney will understand your concerns and fears and will do their best to help allay them. They must understand that while they are representing you on a legal issue, there is also a very real, very stressed person who needs guidance and assurance throughout the entire process.

6. Do they have a strong personality to put pressure on the opposing legal team?

If your case were to go to trial, then you need an attorney who not only understands the legal system but who is also a fierce competitor in court. There are attorneys who have outstanding levels of technical understanding, but who can crumble in the face of a fierce onslaught of an opposing attorney. You need to be sure your representative is able to put the pressure on at the right moments to put the opposition team under pressure.

7. How many of their cases come from referrals?

An attorney that has a heavy workload due to the number of referrals they receive from past clients who are satisfied with the level of professionalism, skill and effort shown by the attorney is always a good sign. If an attorney has a low referral rate, then there will be a reason why clients are not so keen to recommend them. Attorneys who provide a great service, who are strong in court, professional and show excellent levels of skill and competence will likely have an excellent referral rate for cases.

These seven simple questions, combined with a little research, will help you identify which is the attorney most likely to suit your situation, allowing you to press on your legal battle confident that your future is in the safest possible hands.