Shabby Chic Boho Finding the right law firm when you need legal help is important. The right representation can mean the difference between winning or losing your case, but it can also make a stressful situation much more manageable. When you need to hire a law firm, how do you find the one that’s right for you and your case?
The following guide provides helpful tips about what factors to focus on, such as specialization, location, and experience, as well as some practical tips to help you prepare for consultations with different law firms.
What Type of Case Do You Have?
First, it’s important to know what type of legal help you actually need. Each field of law is highly specialized, and most firms focus on specific areas of practice. Before contacting any law firms, you should be sure you’re looking for the right specialization.
Why is specialization important? While general attorneys have a broad range of knowledge, an attorney who specializes in one area of law (or areas of law that are closely related to each other) offers more in-depth legal expertise for cases similar to yours. The attorney and their team will be up to date on the relevant laws and precedents that might affect your case, and they will have existing relationships with judges, subject matter experts, and opposing counsel.
The most common legal fields include:
- Personal injury—car accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and fall
- Family law—separation, divorce, custody, adoption, surrogacy
- Criminal—traffic tickets (infractions), shoplifting (misdemeanors), murder (felonies)
- Employment—discrimination, whistleblowers, religious accommodation
- Real estate—boundary disputes, tenant-landlord issues, foreclosure, failure to disclose
- Business or corporate—intellectual property, fraud, breach of contract, shareholder disputes
Once you have determined the type of law firm you need, it will be easier to hire a law firm that best serves your needs.
Location and Jurisdiction Should be Local
Many laws vary by state, and some even vary by county. Finding a law firm that is licensed and active in your jurisdiction is important so that you can be sure they understand all the pertinent local laws and regulations that might apply to your situation.
In addition, a local firm makes it much more convenient for you to meet with your attorneys in person. They will also be able to attend local court proceedings without additional travel, which could potentially save you time and money.
A local firm’s familiarity with the court system that will be handling your case can be a huge benefit and help your case go much more smoothly as well.
Do They Have Relevant Experience and a Good Track Record?
When evaluating whether to hire a particular law firm, you should find out how many years they’ve been in practice. You should also gather information about past case outcomes and the firm’s reputation among clients and peers.
Although not foolproof, online reviews (such as Google and Yelp) can provide some insight. There are also more specialized sites, like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell, where you can check both client and peer reviews. Checking with the American Bar Association can also give you information about their credentials and any disciplinary actions.
A reputable law firm will also have plenty of information available on its website. Review attorney bios, information about the types of cases they typically handle, and any publications their attorneys have put out. All this information can help you form an impression of the law firm as a whole and whether they are a good fit for you.
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
Once you have a list of two to four local law firms that seem like good candidates, schedule a consultation to meet with an attorney in person. Most law firms offer free or inexpensive consultations to go over your case before you hire them.
Prepare a list of questions before your consultation to make sure you don’t forget anything. Some questions to consider include:
- How many cases like mine have you handled, and what were the outcomes?
- What strategy would you recommend in my situation?
- Is there anything I could do to strengthen my case?
- Who will be handling my case day to day?
- How soon could you begin work on my case?
- What is your communication policy? Email? Phone? General response time to expect?
- What is your fee structure? Do you charge hourly, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis (no payment unless they win the case)?
- Are there additional costs that I should anticipate?
- What are the next steps if I decide to hire your firm?
While the actual answers to these questions are important, you should also note how the attorneys communicate with you and whether they explain things clearly in plain language. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they demonstrate empathy and professionalism? It’s also a good idea to ask for a written fee agreement that you can review on your own to make sure you understand exactly how their pricing works and what to expect.
Trust Your Instincts
Even if a law firm checks many of the right boxes with regard to specialization, location, and experience, if a lawyer dismisses your concerns, is overly aggressive about taking your case, makes you feel uncomfortable, or is vague about costs and fees, look elsewhere.
Remember that many cases take months or even years to conclude, so you will likely be working closely with your chosen law firm for a while. If something feels off, it probably is. It’s important that you feel comfortable and that they align with your legal needs and goals.
Key Takeaways
So, when you need legal representation, hire a law firm that specializes in the type of law you need, is local, has a proven track record and positive client reviews, communicates clearly and transparently about costs and strategies, aligns with your legal goals, and makes you feel comfortable and respected. If you find a firm that fits all these characteristics, you’ll be in good hands.
