Lawyers
The first step to choosing a Lawyer is identifying a legal problem. Most lawyers in a major metropolitan area are more specialized in a specific aspect of law than rural lawyers. General practitioners of law are more common in rural areas. Identifying the legal problem will help to save time in finding a lawyer that will suit your needs. Ask friends, employers, co-workers, relatives, etc for referrals to a lawyer that could help. It would be important to discuss with these people the nature of the legal problem in order to reduce confusion. Many online resources offer lawyer directories that could concentrate your search to geographic area and the lawyers’ area of expertise. Local bar associations could also be a good start in your search for the right lawyer. However, some local bar associations do not offer referral services. Most local bar associations have a website or could be found in the phone directories. Most local public libraries carry a lawyer directory called the Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Directory. These books have lawyers from all 50 states and Canada within their directory and could be found in the libraries reference section. If having difficulty finding the lawyer directory, ask a librarian. If all of the above fail, ask a lawyer if he or she could refer you to another lawyer in an area of expertise that is not his or hers.
Next step is to call the Lawyer on the phone and ask if he or she charges a fee for the first consultation. Do not forget to ask how much if he or she charges a fee. If you choose to hire the lawyer for legal services it would be advisable to get an estimate of the cost of his or her services. Fees and costs vary according to lawyer, case, and the type of services provided. Be prepared to ask questions regarding the facts of the legal problem. Some questions to ask at the attorney are as follows?
Do I have a legal problem?
This may seem like an obvious question but it is worth covering because it determines whether or not you are wasting your own time. You must fully explain the situation first and then ask the lawyer about the problem. Be as factual without exaggeration why you believe that there is a legal course of action. Do not try to convince the lawyer, it is his or her decision to decide if you have a case or not. If you know the position of the legal adversary in the problem it would be advisable to mention this to the lawyer.
Are you the Lawyer that could help me? Have you handled matter like this before? If not, can you refer me to someone that can?
Asking an attorney these simple questions could save time and effort. This could also simplify the process of finding a lawyer. Experience is important in choosing a the right lawyer for the job.
How much will this cost?
Before agreeing to have the attorney represent you, it would be important to ask the lawyer to explain how fees and costs are assessed in writing.
How long will it take to solve my legal problem?
A lawyer with experience in similar cases to yours may give an estimated time frame in which he or she could solve your legal problems.
What results could be expected?
Ask the lawyer to give an explanation of the law as the law relates to your case. Make sure that you understand the expectations of both the lawyer and you as both could be different.