Going into court or dealing with a lawsuit can be extremely stressful. Many times, people do not know what they’re in for or even how to begin to make their case. The outcome of every court session is in the hands of the lawyers. This is why finding the right attorney is so important. Searching for a lawyer who can win your case can be difficult:
Interview Candidates
Once you have a few attorneys in mind, it’s time to start interviewing them. This is one of the best ways to assess their capabilities. Most lawyers will offer an initial first hour or so of consultation with no charge to you. During this consultation, it’s important to ask if they have any experience in cases like yours, how many cases they’ve been through and won, how long they’ve been in practice, and if they have any special skills or certifications. This will help to narrow down and find the perfect attorney for your case.
Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
A fantastic law resource to utilize when looking for the right attorney is Martindale-Hubbell. Found at the public library or at Martindale.com, this is the best resource to research information on law firms and their attorneys. It is often used by lawyers to find legal talent in another jurisdiction. In the directory, you will find basic profile data and the detailed biographies of nearly every single attorney and law firm from over 160 countries around the world. The directory will also include peer reviews of each attorney or firm which will help to drastically narrow down your search.
Background Checks
Before any decision can be made final when choosing the right attorney for your case, be sure to run a background check on them. This can be done by contacting the lawyer disciplinary agency in your state so they are able to confirm that the attorney you’re considering is in good standing as a member of the bar. Most people will find their attorney over the internet, which is why peer reviews are so important. Peer reviews by fellow attorneys and members of the bar ensure an attorney is ethical and professional.
Tour the Law Firm
Only so much research can be done before seeing everything for yourself. The best way to get to know your attorney is by taking a tour of their law firm. Look beyond their office or conference room. It’s important to pay attention to how neat the firm looks, if it is efficiently run, if the staff is friendly, and if it’s easily accessible. One red flag you must always look for when touring the law firm is if there are any vacant office spaces. Successful lawyers will come from just as successful law firms.
When choosing an attorney for your case, it’s important to do thorough research. By conducting interviews, looking through background checks, and touring their law firm, you will be able to narrow down the attorney that is right for you.