Finding an Attorney - Know Some Basics
Nearly everyone will need an attorney at some point in their lives. You may need an attorney for something as simple as closing on a house purchase or writing a will. Or, it could be more complicated like a mortgage agreement or a will. It doesn't matter what situation it may be, competent and wise counsel is essential. Problem is that most people don't require the services of an attorney often. They may not even know of one or how to find the right attorney for them. As with most things in life and work, the more information you have the better. It is not difficult to choose an attorney. Let's begin at the beginning, and then work our way through it How to find an attorney near me.
Although it may seem simple, the first step should be to determine if and why an attorney is necessary. Sometimes, not having an attorney or waiting to contact one can make matters worse. Do not fall for the adage that you can create your will, manage your divorce or start your Limited Liability Company (LLC). While it may be possible with certain packages, you won't get the necessary legal counsel to help you assess your legal rights, determine if those documents will be accepted by the court, and advise you on any potential legal issues. The old saying "A person who acts like his own attorney has fools for a client" is true.
After you have defined your reasons for hiring an attorney, you can choose the type of attorney that you require. While some attorneys can be considered "general practitioners," others specialize in a particular area. It is a good idea to find an attorney with experience in that particular area if you are involved in a personal case, such as a divorce.
It will take some effort to find the right attorney. Although you can check the Yellow Pages and web sites for information, the best way to find the right attorney is to ask your friends or local professionals for recommendations. A legal referral service can be consulted as well as a list of local attorneys. No matter how you start your search, it is important to do your research. Your search will be more successful if you have more information.
Once you have narrowed down your potential attorneys, it's time to start contacting them. Contacting potential attorneys can be done by phone or in person. Many lawyers don't charge a fee for a "first consult". Before you schedule a meeting, make sure to understand the cost. Remember that you are the one purchasing the services of an attorney when choosing an attorney. Ask questions. Smart consumers are always the best.
Be prepared to discuss your expectations during your consultations and search meetings. Bring any documents relevant to the topic you are discussing with your lawyer. This is also a great time to discuss attorney's fees. Fees may vary depending on the case. Here are some examples:
Hourly: Many attorneys base their hourly rates on the hourly rate. It will vary depending on how experienced the attorney is and how large the law firm.
Flat Fee Some cases may require a flat fee. A simple divorce, bankruptcy, or basic will can be handled for a fixed amount, with additional fees such as mileage or court costs.
Retainer Sometimes, an attorney may ask for a deposit to open an account that can be used to borrow against as the case develops. An attorney can also be retained for a fixed fee, such as for a business.
Contingency In this case, the attorney is paid a percentage of any judgment. This is common in personal injury or liability cases. Once the court has rendered a judgment, the fee must be paid. There is no fee if the judgment is not in your favor.
Before you sign an agreement with an attorney, make sure that you have read and agreed to the fee schedule.
Interviewing, verifying credentials and contacting references is the last step in hiring an attorney. Think of hiring an attorney as an employee. That's how they function in many ways. They work for you. Ask questions. Ask about similar cases to yours, and what happened in those cases. It is important to find out about the previous experience of the attorney. Although they may have been in practice for twenty years, it is possible that they don't have much experience with cases similar to yours.
Ask for references. Reputable attorneys will not hesitate to give you references, provided that the information is not in violation of any attorney/client privilege. You might be able to inquire about the attorney's success rates. It may give you an idea of their ability or the complexity of the cases they are handling. Ask how much of their cases are devoted to cases similar to yours.
You should be prepared to answer any personal questions about your case, such as financial, marital, or lifestyle information. Be truthful if you are asked these questions. You cannot make your attorney work if you lie to them, even if it is embarrassing or may harm your case.
Working with an attorney can be complicated. It is crucial to choose an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with. These steps are not meant to be a complete list of all the things you need to do in order to find the right attorney for you. However, they will help you get started.