When choosing an attorney, there are many factors to keep in mind. Not only will you be sharing confidential information with this person, but you will also be entrusting them to offer you proper legal advice and guide you through a situation you wouldn’t otherwise be able to navigate on your own.
From qualifications and cost, to the area of law and location, there are several aspects to consider before choosing the attorney that’s best for you.
Here are 8 things you should think about when choosing a lawyer:
- Long or short term?
Before you begin researching online, or asking colleagues, friends, or family for referrals, you should address your own needs. Why do you need an attorney? Do you have a legal problem that you cannot solve on your own? If so, would a professional be able to help you?
If you do need legal assistance, figure out whether you need a lawyer short-term or long-term. This will depend on the work you would like done. For instance, do you need an attorney to provide advice on a current legal situation? This may only require a short-term hire or a consultation. However, if you’re looking for someone to handle all your legal affairs indefinitely, then you may require a long-term attorney who you can call on when you need them.
- Area of law
Lawyers tend to specialize in certain areas of law, as it is a very large field of study. Some cover real estate law, while others pursue business, family, intellectual property, immigration, employment, accident or injury, bankruptcy, criminal, or civil rights law.
Attorneys can also be open to a wide range of situations, in which case they are referred to as general practice attorneys. However, if your situation is specific to your business, then you may want to choose someone who has experience in corporate law.
- Are they highly regarded?
When you hire someone to perform a service, you want to ensure that they know what they’re talking about. To do this, you may need to ask for referrals from those who have worked with them before, or seek out referral services online that can pair you with a lawyer suited to your needs or who has been certified in their state. Personal recommendations or connections can also be valuable, such as friends or family who have worked with a specific attorney.
- Location
Laws vary by state. For this reason, as well as the convenience of proximity, focus your search on someone in your area who is familiar with the region’s legal requirements. This cuts down travel, as well as demonstrates their knowledge of laws that affect where you live. With larger legal matters, or for long-term counsel, it’s important to find someone close to you so that you can develop a trusted, face-to-face relationship.
- Experience
In addition to someone with a specialization in the area of law you require, choose an attorney with experience in similar cases or circumstances to your own. You can find out information about their practicing history by simply asking them, or checking out their firm’s website. An attorney with more experience may be more valuable, but only if their experience matches your situation.
To find out more about an attorney’s past history, you may also ask them questions that will give you insight into the type of experience they have, if they communicate well, and if they can help you.
- Compatibility
Your lawyer’s personal character should also factor into your decision. Find an attorney who is trustworthy, and someone who you feel comfortable with. Mutual respect is also important in that they respect your wishes, while you respect their expertise. A lawyer who will work hard for you, exercise good judgment, and be thorough and thoughtful in the process is a valuable asset.
- Availability
Does the lawyer you want to hire have enough time to dedicate to your case? Can they take on your case immediately? These are important questions to ask if you plan on being in contact with the attorney often, or if you would like your situation to be given genuine attention. If they seem to be overworked, consider finding another attorney who has the time to attend to your needs.
- Communication
Communication goes hand in hand with compatibility and availability. Between paperwork, meetings, and the general busyness of life, there can be a tendency to fall out of touch. Try to establish proactive communication at the beginning. Mention your preferred form of communication and discuss your hours so you are both on the same page. This will prevent missed meetings or calls. You may also consider agreeing on regular check-in times to discuss updates and ask questions.
Choosing a divorce attorney in Garden City, NY may take time, and you might not always find one that you click with immediately. A quality attorney will be worth the recruiting effort, even if it means researching and interviewing several before you make your decision.
More importantly, finding a lawyer that fits your needs, budget, and welfare, is going to give you peace of mind because you will trust that they are looking out for your best interests.