Quell your anxieties over finding the right attorney. Doing thorough research into a lawyer’s qualifications and working your referral network helps you find a good match for your legal needs.
Work off of Recommendations
If you know a lawyer from an area where you used to live or perhaps a lawyer just moved into your neighborhood you have a nice referral network in place. These attorneys can refer you to other lawyers who specialize in your area of interest. Check with employers, co-workers and friends to see if they know any lawyers who can help you with your problem.
Check with state certified lawyer referral services for professional placement. These services match clients with lawyers who specialize in their problem area. You would be interviewed and matched with a lawyer. Expect to pay a small fee for the initial consultation. The state bar website can provide you with a list of lawyer referral services.
Lawyer services can also determine if you have a legal problem or not after hearing you explain your situation. The service can spare you time and a good deal of frustration as in some cases you may have no legal grounds to file suit. These groups will also refer you only to lawyers who are in good standing with their state bar association. You may also be able to hire an attorney at a lower rate and have access to bilingual attorneys if each of these aspects of hiring a lawyer is beneficial to you.
Since word of mouth marketing helps you gain an even deeper insight into a lawyer and their abilities it pays to both work your network of friends, family and acquaintances and to also use a referral service to line up potential matches.
What About Lawyers who Inquire for Your Business?
If any attorney is trying to find you instead of the other way around be skeptical. Under the code of legal ethics this type of behavior is not permitted. Lawyers practicing within the bounds of code of legal ethics would advertise effectively, build up their referral network and wait for you to contact them to discuss your case. You can report any lawyers who’ve solicited you to your local state bar association. Simply call the state bar or reach them online to report this unethical behavior.
The Interview
Sit down during your initial consultation with a series of questions to ask the lawyer. Take down notes of the attorney’s responses. Get a feel for the lawyer and their intent. Do they endlessly gab on and on about their impressive trial record or are they more concerned about you and your individual needs?
Note that age has little to do with experience concerning your type of case. An established attorney who’s been practicing for 40 years may have less experience trying your type of case versus a lawyer fresh out of law school. Ask how much trial experience the individual has with your specific problem.
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