Selecting a Lawyer

Choosing a competent lawyer to represent you on a legal matter is one of the most important decisions you may make. Because most people are rarely involved in lawsuits, being involved in one is typically stressful and traumatic. A good attorney will give you confidence and make litigation more bearable.

Laws allow attorneys to advertise on the radio and television, in newspapers and phone books, and on billboards. It is not recommended that you choose an attorney based on his advertisement. However, the advertisement may be a helpful starting place. For instance, you can find out if the attorney has a certified specialty, get access to the firm’s Web site and perhaps get information on fees from an advertisement.

ATTORNEY REFERRAL TIP: Phone books typically list attorneys by their specialty or board certification. This is important information because attorneys board certified in a certain field are perceived as being more qualified. Additionally, complex cases (mineral law, patents, appeals) are generally better served by a board-certified lawyer in that specialty.

It never hurts to use an Internet search engine to compile a list of possible attorneys in your area. You can then search a single attorney’s name to find papers or legal articles she has written as well as cases she has handled.

Talking to family, friends and colleagues is an excellent way to find an attorney. These people have had dealings with specific attorneys and can tell you what their experiences were with that attorney.

All states maintain an official Web site listing attorneys licensed to practice law in that state. The Web site should have information on the attorney’s years in practice, specializations, the law school he/she attended and whether any disciplinary actions have ever been initiated against him/her.

ATTORNEY REFERRAL TIP: State bars generally have sections or committees of attorneys who practice in one area. If your case involves a business contract, you can contact the president of the business law or litigation section for some direction in selecting an attorney.

Attorneys practicing in a city or area are usually members of the local bar association. The local bar association has an office that you can contact for a attorney referral. The referrals simply come from a list. The name you are given is not necessarily an individual personally recommended by the local bar association. He is simply a member who is available for referrals.

ATTORNEY REFERRAL TIP:

• Select a lawyer whose experience matches the area of law you need. You wouldn't use a divorce attorney in a personal injury lawsuit, would you?
• Choose an attorney that is in good standing.
• Find out what other people say about their experiences with a particular attorney.
• Meeting with a lawyer can only help you get the facts and make an informed decision. It never hurts to seek expert legal advice

Learn more about selecting a lawyer on the web, from the yellow pages, or from referrals. Remember, knowledge is power and the more you have the better selection you can make.
 

Meeting with an Attorney

When you meet with an attorney be prepared and be ready to ask and answer questions. The attorney will step you through the process, but there are some things you should remember at this stage.

• Arrive a little bit early so you can relax and compose your thoughts before the meeting.
• Be honest. Tell the attorney everything that you can think of even if it doesn't seem important to you.
• Ask all of your questions.
• Remember that although you have gone to the attorney for help, this is also an audition for them. You do not have to work with this attorney!