What can the right attorney do for you? This professional could help you earn the compensation to which you’re legally entitled. Or this lawyer could defend your reputation and assets from baseless accusations. Perhaps above all, excellent attorneys provide a profound and enduring peace of mind.
How do you know which lawyer to hire, though? If you look for the attributes below, you should be happy with your legal representation for a long time to come.
1. The Appropriate Specialization
This first rule is basic. Make sure the attorney you hire specializes in the area of law that pertains to your needs. Such a lawyer will stay abreast of any legal changes that apply to your case, and this person will have a deep knowledge of relevant precedents.
For example, if you enlist an attorney from Parker Waichman Long Island, you’re hiring a first-rate personal injury specialist.
2. A Good Personal Fit for You
A free consultation gives you the opportunity to sit down with a lawyer and discuss your legal issues. It also lets you get a feel for a particular attorney’s style and manner. Is this person patient and understanding? Does this individual listen to you and communicate in a way that you can easily comprehend?
In addition, make sure that the lawyer you’re speaking to is the one who’ll actually handle your legal affairs. Otherwise, your caseload could get handed over to rookie lawyers, paralegals, or others with less experience and knowledge.
On top of that, ask about this attorney’s availability. Does this person guarantee that your phone messages and emails will be returned promptly? Will it be easy to schedule meetings, even if they’re just virtual meetings, with her or him whenever there are new developments in your legal affairs? After all, you don’t want to get lost amid a huge number of clients and cases.
You might want to sit down with several lawyers. That way, you can choose someone who really makes you feel comfortable and confident.
3. A Solid Reputation
In most instances, state bar associations will let you look up attorneys online to see if they’ve faced any disciplinary actions. For a sense of a certain lawyer’s professional standing, you can also look at internet reviews and talk to people you know who’ve had experience with that person.
Plus, the lawyers you meet should be able to provide you with references.
4. Affordability
If your financial resources are vast, this trait might not concern you too much. If, however, you have limited funds for legal representation, you ought to compare costs before reaching a decision.
You’ll want to find out each lawyer’s rate, of course. Most likely, you’ll pay by the hour. In some cases, though, a law firm will charge a flat rate for a certain amount of work.
After inquiring about the hourly rate or flat fee, you could ask a few specific questions:
• Will you charge any additional fees such as travel expenses?
• Could you get a discount if you retain this law firm for an extended period?
• Are any of the fees negotiable?
Don’t be shy about asking for quotes in writing from each lawyer you see.
In all of this, you don’t necessarily want the least expensive attorney you find. Instead, it’s wise to weigh costs among other criteria.
In the end, your selection of an attorney will be a key factor in your legal outcomes. When you choose a highly knowledgeable, experienced, ethical, affordable, and shrewd lawyer — such as one of the attorneys that Parker Waichman Long Island employs — you’re well on your way toward legal victories.
