Finding the Right Lawyer for You: A Guide

Let's face it, most of us are going to need a lawyer at some point in our lives. It could be for something serious, like a criminal accusation, or something sad, like a divorce or sorting out child maintenance. However, you could also need a lawyer to help you draft contracts for a new business or help you with documents you may need in order to get married. The point is that – whether for good or bad – you're likely going to need a lawyer sometime in your life. And it's important to pick the right lawyer for you since you'll be working closely on very important things. That's what this post is for – helping you find the right lawyer for you and your situation.

Do they have a good reputation?
There's nothing wrong with trying out a lawyer that's new to the industry. In fact, it could be an ideal situation – their fees will likely be less (which is good for you) and they get some experience (which is good for them). However, if you really need to win a specific case, the best option may be to pick a lawyer with a good reputation. You can ask friends for referrals, you can look at reviews online, or you can check out Top Researched.

What's their specialty?
One thing that you need to know about lawyers is that not any lawyer will do in any situation. While most lawyers do understand most of the different factors of law, it's also true that most lawyers decide to specialize in a specific field. For example, a divorce lawyer may not be able to offer you the best advice for a criminal case. Similarly, you can find a lot on the internet about child maintenance – such as how judges decide the amount – but your best bet is still going to be getting a lawyer who specializes in family cases.

What are their fees?
In an ideal world, you'd be able to hire the lawyer with the most experience, and who specializes in the field you need legal help with. However, lawyers do tend to ask quite a bit of money, so this may not always be your best option. Some cases, especially ones requiring a criminal defense attorney, can set you back a lot. Sometimes, the best lawyer for you is the one you can afford. Keep in mind that just because their fees aren't astronomical doesn't mean that they aren't a good lawyer.

Do you get along?
With most professional relationships, personal feelings don't get in the way of business unless you allow them to. However, business development relies on personal relationships, and often, so does the success of your case. As mentioned, lawyers work very closely with their clients, often on cases involving very sensitive topics. You and your lawyer need to for a team. You need to trust them to make the right decision – you can't constantly be in conflict with them. If at all possible, try to meet with a few different lawyers and then ask yourself which one you can see yourself working with.