Whether you are in legal trouble or need to protect your business, hiring the right kind of lawyer can make a massive difference in your financial situation. There are tons of lawyers who specialize in various fields. For starters, there are DUI attorneys, tax lawyers, labor lawyers, and custody attorneys, to name a few. Hiring a lawyer requires research and careful consideration. Don’t hire the first one you see on tv. You need to make sure your lawyer can service your needs and has your best interests in mind.
This article is a general guide to locating and hiring a lawyer suitable for your situation. Take your time and carefully consider your best option.
Find Candidates
To start, you need to make a list of potential candidates. Sometimes the best way is the easiest way. Try asking trusted associates for recommendations and opinions on who to hire. Get real, tangible reasons for why a lawyer is right for you. For example, if you know someone’s lawyer helped by enrolling them in DUI services in Lexington, this could make a huge difference in potential legal issues.
If you can’t get a good recommendation, it’s time to start doing your research. The local bar is an excellent place to begin. Depending on your legal issue, they can recommend certain lawyers who will help you the most.
Ask your insurance if they can help you with liability insurance. You could save a great deal of money by using the insurance you are already paying for, but you will need to use the lawyer that your insurance company provides.
In addition, don’t ignore local advertisements if a lawyer is promoting services that pertain to your situation. If you can look past the flash and realistically assess the lawyer’s abilities, you should be able to find a capable candidate.
Touch Base
Get in touch with your candidates and set up meetings. Before you meet, make sure to know if they charge for the initial consultation. Ask what documents you need and how long it’s going to take. Next, come up with a list of questions so that you can assess the lawyer’s preparedness and ability to help you.
Decide What’s Best for You
Once you have seen every lawyer, it’s time to compare the pros and cons. You may have liked one lawyer, but not their fees. Take the time to add up potential costs. You need to understand the differences between retainer fees, hourly fees, contingency fees, etc. If you were prepared for the first meeting and shared every critical piece of information, you should have a good idea of who you liked and who seemed less capable.
Even after you make your decision, stay in contact with your lawyer. Do not assume they can take care of everything without your input. A lawyer has to know what you want from them to succeed. Make sure you set up regular meetings to check in, but of course, be aware of the fees so you can budget appropriately. Hiring a lawyer can be overwhelming and stressful. Prepare yourself, and the process will be much smoother.
Featured Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
