December 21, 2022

How to Find the Best Lawyer for You

Practice Area: | Tag: Legal Advice

Have you ever heard the phrase "if you throw a stone, you're sure to hit a lawyer?" There's much truth to this cliche. With millions of lawyers out there, finding the right match for you can be an intimidating task. It can be even more confusing when you factor in the many types of lawyers and their specialties. Lucky for you, we have come up with some tips on how to find the best lawyer to represent you and your case. Take it from us, it takes one to know how to identify the best ones out there!

1. Find out the type of assistance you will need and do your research. Different lawyers have different specialties, so it is important to find out exactly what type of representation you need. Are you going after a small claim? In need of mediation? Do you have a medical malpractice or personal injury case? Figuring out the type of case you have on your hands is key. From there you can use Google, FindLaw, or another search engine to see which lawyers are near to you, who lawyers specialize in your case, and their Google reviews and ratings. 
2. Pay close attention to experience and reviews. As with any investment, checking their reputation is important. You can read reviews on various sites such as Google or Yelp, or even take an in-depth look at their website to see their outcomes and areas of expertise.
3. Get interviewing! Yes, you can and should interview potential representatives. A legal case is expensive so you should get an idea of what you are buying into with each lawyer. Once you have a good list of candidates, give them a call and set up a consultation. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about experience and general questions related to your own case. An interview will also give you a feel of their personality, trustworthiness, communication style, and professionalism. Ask questions about who will represent you in court, how long they have been in the industry, and for solid references. Legal representation is a serious arena, so you should put in serious work! And, make sure to take notes.
4. Assess your options. Review your notes carefully. Who was attentive? Who was detail-oriented? Did any give you the feeling that they wanted to be anywhere else or were not interested in your case? Did any overpromise or seem uninvolved in your situation? These may seem like foolish questions, but they tell a lot about a lawyer and their reputation. Also, keep in mind their retainer and hourly fees and whether they are in your budget. If you need, reach out to a trusted friend or family member to help sort through your choices.

Finding the best lawyer for you can be a daunting task. Hopefully, these tips can help kickstart your search if you are ever in need. If you ever need reliable representation for family law, estate administration and litigation, property, or accidents and personal injury, the Heymann & Fletcher team is here for you! With over 36 years of experience, you can be assured that you are in the right hands. Give us a call today!