5. CHOOSING THE RIGHT LAWYER FOR YOU
Since there are so many options when it comes to hiring a lawyer, you may want to write down some specific things you are looking for when you go to consultations. Here are some general guidelines you may want to follow when making a decision on hiring a lawyer.
Ask beforehand about contingency fees (if the fee is over twenty five percent be cautious), costs for telephone calls and meetings, and whether or not the lawyer keeps and turns in a time diary. This is a log of the time they spend on your case. In general your lawyer should keep one of these.
Get recommendations from lawyers you have spoken to about other professionals in their field, in addition to talking to people you know about their lawyers. Often if you decide not to do business with a certain lawyer that person will help you find another lawyer, or at least point you in the right direction.
Find out how experienced the lawyer you are considering is. If the fees are low and the experience is low you may not get the same results that a slightly more expensive but more experienced lawyer might yield.
How long does the lawyer estimate that your case will take? Compare this estimate with others you have gathered. If a lawyer that charges an hourly rate says your case will take twice as long as all the other flat fee lawyers are saying, you may want to reconsider your position.
Ask whether a flat fee or hourly rate will be charged. Based on your individual circumstance, either of these methods of payment may be best but its always a good idea to be informed about the options associated with both before making a decision and committing to one type of payment.
Take your personal needs into consideration as well when you make your decision on hiring a lawyer. You have to be able to communicate and work well with your lawyer just as your lawyer needs to work well for you.
If you require a specific type of lawyer such as a divorce lawyer or small business lawyer, it is even more important that you pay attention to the fees and charges.
Take all of the above into consideration and make a decision that satisfies your needs. It is often helpful to take a few days time to consider a decision such as hiring a lawyer as it can be a rather daunting task. But if you use the advice above, you should be able to find a lawyer who will meet your requirements and be the legal professional you need and can trust.
