If you need an attorney, you might be wondering where to start. And while every situation is unique, the same basic process applies regardless of the circumstances or severity. It all comes down to being diplomatic and discerning.
The 4 Steps to Hiring the Right Attorney
Hiring an attorney is a serious decision that you have to carefully consider. It’s not a situation where you run a quick Google search and hire the first person you see. The process is a bit more involved. Here’s where we recommend beginning:
Know What to Look For
Whether you’re injured in a car accident, accused of a crime, facing a DUI, or any other situation in between, there are literally thousands of attorneys to choose from. You need some criteria to filter out the best. Make sure you know what to look for, including:
- Track record. What sort of history does the attorney have? Do they have a track record of winning cases for their clients? Do they have experience working cases like yours? The past is almost always indicative of the future. Choose an attorney who has already been where you want to be. You can find corroborating information by reviewing their website. (Bamieh & De Smeth is a great example. Notice how their website homepage features past case results that you can scroll through. This is the kind of experience you should look for.)
- Comfort level. You’ll spend a great deal of time communicating with your attorney, asking them questions, answering their questions, and working together to obtain a successful outcome. Make sure you’re comfortable working with them. You don’t have to be best friends, but there should be enough camaraderie to where you’re able to cooperate with them as you attempt to reach a resolution for your case.
- Online research. When you research a potential attorney online, what do you learn? Do they have a positive reputation? Do they have good reviews? Are there any questionable articles or reports about them? Do your own research to get a complete picture.
If you prioritize factors like these, you’ll make a much more educated decision – one that will benefit your case and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Make a Shortlist
In the beginning, avoid getting too focused on any one attorney. Instead, make a shortlist of two to five attorneys who seem to fit your needs.
When forming your shortlist, try to use a variety of inputs. For example, you might find some from Google searches and others from direct referrals. A good mixture ensures you don’t miss out on an attorney who could be a good fit.
Set Up an Initial Consultation
Armed with a shortlist, set up an initial consultation with any attorney you’re seriously considering. (Any good, reputable attorney will be happy to offer a free consultation.) During this meeting, ask questions like:
- What kind of cases do you specialize in? And do you specialize in cases like mine?
- How long have you been practicing? (Have you always practiced locally?)
- Do you feel like I have a strong case?
- Will you be handling my case directly? If not, who will?
- How often do you take cases like mine to court vs. settling?
- How much do you think my case is worth?
- How will I pay? When will I need to pay?
- What happens if we lose my case?
An attorney should be able to answer these questions without hesitation. If they’re struggling to come up with good answers, this is a definitive sign that they aren’t the attorney for you.
Make the Hire
In addition to asking attorneys the right questions, you also need to ask yourself the right questions. For example:
- Will I be comfortable talking and meeting with this individual?
- Are they able to clearly outline the best- and worst-case scenario for my case?
- Do I trust that they’ll pick up the phone when I call?
You may have other questions that are important to you, but these are just several good ones that come to mind. The important thing is that you’re making a hire that you’re comfortable with.
Putting it All Together
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into hiring an attorney. We highly recommend following these steps and making an educated choice based on all of the information and facts you gather. The process won’t always be easy, but you’ll be satisfied with your results.
