Finding a good attorney can seem like a difficult task, especially if you’ve never had to hire one before. Depending on your situation, you’ll need to find a good lawyer who knows how to handle themselves.
However, there are a few universal qualities every attorney, from divorce attorneys to DUI attorneys, should have in common. These five questions can help you make finding a good attorney that much easier.
Who exactly will I be working with?
There’s nothing worse than finding a lawyer you really like and then discovering that another person at their firm will be handling your case. Before you go into any of the details and decide that the lawyer you’re meeting with is a keeper, it;s important to make is clear who exactly will be handling your case. If your heart is set on a specific lawyer, you should make that clear and check their availability.
What are your credentials?
Just like there are general practitioners and specialists in medicine, there are lawyers ins specialized fields. For example, you wouldn’t want a divorce lawyer handling your DUI case. While everyone knows that DUI charges leave you with a criminal record that could affect future opportunities, it takes an attorney who has been in the field for a while to present the best case. Would you trust an eye doctor to treat a sprained ankle?
How would you be paid?
Attorneys have different methods of receiving payment. While some prefer a lump sum, others charge hourly rates. However, most attorneys will have a free consultation period that you should definitely take advantage of. This period is the time to ask all of your questions and determine whether or not you can afford their services.
After asking all of your questions, it’s important to ask whether or not your attorney has any questions for you. After all, their main focus should be your situation and defense. To avoid paying a massive fine and facing jail time for your actions, you should ask these questions to make sure you’re hiring the right one.
