Searching for a lawyer is a lot like dating. You have to take the time to meet with several potential candidates before making your final decision. If you’re in need of legal representation and don’t know where to start, here are some steps that can help guide you along the way:
Make A List Of Your Priorities And Goals
The first step in hiring a lawyer is to make a list of your priorities and goals. This can be done by writing down all of the things that you want to accomplish, then prioritizing them based on their importance according toJeremy Schulman. For example, if you’re looking for someone who has experience in cases involving construction law and personal injury lawsuits, then these are probably important factors when choosing an attorney. You should also think about whether there are any other factors that might be important to you (for example: “I want an attorney who is willing to work with me on payment plans” or “I need someone who will communicate well with me”).
Establish What Kind Of Attorney You Need
The first thing you should do is establish what kind of attorney you need. You may think that the answer is obvious, but it’s not always so simple. For example, if you are looking for an attorney who specializes in criminal defense law, but your case involves a civil matter such as personal injury or wrongful termination (two examples), then it would be best to hire a different kind of lawyer–one who focuses on that specific area rather than general practice.
Ask As Many Questions As You Can During The Interview Process
Now that you have a good idea of what to look for in a lawyer, it’s time to put your research into action.
If you’re seeking legal representation, here are some questions that you should ask during the interview process:
- How long have they been practicing? If it’s less than a year, do not hire them! You want someone who has experience with cases similar to yours and understands how the court system works.
- Asked about the percentage of cases that go to trial, Jeremy Schulman said. This will give you an idea of whether or not they are willing (and able) to fight for your rights in court if necessary–and whether or not they’re likely to settle out of court early on without taking every possible step toward winning your case.
- How much do they charge per hour? This can vary greatly depending on where in America/the world we live, but generally speaking most attorneys charge anywhere between $200-$400 per hour depending on geographic location and specialty area of law being practiced; however some may offer special rates based off their experience level or specialties within certain areas such as family law matters involving custody disputes over children under 18 years old where both parents live together but one wants sole custody rights due perhaps financial reasons associated with raising children who aren’t theirs biologically speaking.