Ten Things to Remember When Looking For an Attorney
There is no such thing as a one size fits all lawyer. I run a service to find Chicago lawyers, but this advice is probably true anywhere you are looking, not just Illinois. Nothing can guarantee success, but you can certainly improve the likelihood of a good result.
1. Your situation is unique. Just because your neighbor or co-worker hired an attorney that they were happy with does not mean that they are the right attorney for your situation. They might be, but ask tough questions before you sign on the dotted line.
2. There is no such thing as the "best lawyer", but rather you should search for the best lawyer for you. In other words, a car accident attorney who regularly represents people with catastrophic injuries is probably not the right person to hire if you broke your leg when you slipped and fell on ice. They may be a good attorney, but likely wouldn't give your case the attention that it deserves.
3. Anyone can say anything, especially in the Yellow Pages. Don't assume because someone has a fancy ad in the phone book that they are a good attorney for you. Check out their background, experience and results.
4. If something appears to good to be true, it probably is.
5. All things being equal, try to avoid someone just out of school or an attorney that is too old. Someone just out of school likely doesn't have the experience needed to give you the best chance of success; and often attorneys in their 70's or 80's are semi-retired or should be.
6. Discuss what your goals are and work with the law firm before you hire them to come up with a plan for meeting those goals.
7. The more narrow the focus of an attorney the likelier it is that they know what they are doing. Here's a trick; call up an office that you are thinking about hiring and explain your situation. Then have someone else call and ask if they can handle something else. Then have another friend do the same thing. If the firm says they can take on your car accident, DUI, divorce and severance review then they are likely a "jack of all trades." They might win, but that's not the best thing for you.
8. It's 2009. If a law firm doesn't have a website there is at least other information about them on the internet. Just like you would become informed before buying a car or house, do a detailed web search and don't be afraid to ask about things you see that concern you.
9. Along the same lines, just as you would look at a few cars before buying, you can interview multiple lawyers. At some point though you have to take a leap of faith and make a decision.
10. Finally, when you do hire someone, get the agreement as to how they will be paid in writing. No exceptions. If they won't give this to you then run away. Their "good word" is not enough. This is about as basic as it gets and in some states it is mandatory.
This list doesn't guarantee success, but it will hopefully lead you to a successful result.
About the author:
Michael Helfand is a Chicago lawyer. For more information he suggests that you visit http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/WrongfulDeathLaws.htm