Over 1.3 million lawyers are licensed to practice law in the United States. So, if and when you need legal representation, selecting the right attorney or firm of attorneys can prove rather time-consuming and difficult.
However, you can do so by preparing a list of potential candidates after discussing with trusted sources, such as business advisors, people in your industry, and other attorneys. You can also check out bar associations, law firm websites, or other online resources.
Once you have a shortlist, you should consider five major factors before making a decision.
Vital factors in seeking legal representation
While you may be able to manage some very mundane legal work on your own, such as dealing with traffic tickets, it is better to consult an attorney if you find yourself facing or contemplating litigation. The following five things are quite important when hiring an attorney or a firm of attorneys who suit your requirements.
#1 Expertise and experience
Law is a vast field of study. Attorneys tend to specialize in many different areas, such as accident/injury, intellectual property, business, real estate, and more. There are also general practice attorneys, who choose to handle multiple areas.
However, it is better to choose someone who has experience in handling cases in the area of law you need. Depending on the scope of your case, you can use a national or regional specialist. While a real estate issue would be better handled by a regional specialist, you should entrust matters of federal law to national specialists.
You can hire attorneys from anywhere in the country because of advances in technology and transportation. However, a local attorney would know local conditions, laws, and authorities better. Communicating with them would also be much easier.
#2 Reputation and background
Before you hire anyone, check their reputation and background. You should have an idea about their social standing and connections, their image, their clients, and the cases they have won or lost. The attorney or the firm you choose should be thorough professionals who follow all applicable legal requirements. They should keep abreast of all recent developments in the laws affecting your case and be able to present you with alternative options or solutions.
Ask people who have worked with them, go through their website, or ask other attorneys in your community. Bar associations are great sources of information on any complaints or disciplinary actions against attorneys. Overall, you should be able to respect their ability and they should respect your wishes.
#3 Personality and communication skills
Every attorney has a unique personality, approach, and style of representing clients. Trust your instincts and choose people you like so that you are comfortable interacting with them. They should be prompt in communications and use simple language rather than confusing legalese.
Solo practitioners or smaller legal firms would work closely with you throughout your case. However, if you engage a larger firm, different attorneys, junior associates, and paralegals may work on various aspects of your case.
#4 Fees and flexibility in fee structure
Cost is a major factor when seeking legal help. Attorneys may charge flat rates, hourly fees, negotiable fees, contingency fees, or a retainer for future fees. This may include other expenses, such as travel, shipping, and filing.
While personal injury attorneys may work on a contingency fee, business lawyers could charge hourly fees or a flat one-time fee. In general, attorneys quote hourly rates if the case involves litigation or negotiation because the time taken for such procedures may vary.
If you need advice on a current legal situation, you may hire an attorney for a short term, which means lesser expenses. However, if you need long-term legal help, you may need to pay much higher rates or a retainer.
#5 Resources or support system
The attorney or firm you choose should be able to provide help as and when you need it. A large firm may offer a wider range of skills and resources, such as cross-referenced research, technology, and support staff.
They may be able to handle more complex cases, as they employ many experienced attorneys across different regions. Although they might cost you more, they may have greater influence in legal and social circles.
Conversely, smaller firms may have lesser resources, but they may be less expensive and more personalized. They may also specialize in just one area of law or in cases similar to yours.
Best practices in choosing legal representation
Hiring attorneys and working with them may be confusing and unnerving. The following are a few best practices to make this task easy.
- Research well about attorneys’ experience, connections, existing clients, and fees. Check out their website. Request for a search if any disciplinary action has been taken against them.
- Avoid attorneys who are unfamiliar with your business or are not transparent about personal information, such as qualifications or fees. Compare attorneys and choose amicable, trustworthy people who communicate well.
- Check whether their offices are easily accessible and they are available for consultation according to your convenience. They should also have better organized and informative work processes.
- Negotiate fees and other charges. Confirm fees and billing arrangements in a written letter.
Selecting legal representation can be unnerving, especially if you have suffered a personal injury. Choose experts at handling personal injury cases, such as Bennett Injury Law, who not only care enough to offer you a free consultation but also would fight hard for you.
