It’s important to build a relationship with your attorney that is based on trust. Chances are you will be sharing confidential information and you need to feel comfortable following his or her advice and suggestions.
How do you choose the best lawyer for your needs?
- Conduct thorough research – hopefully on lawyers whose names you’ve gotten from referrals. Do the candidates have experience in the area in which you need counsel? How long have they been in practice? What are their fees? Do they have malpractice insurance? Don’t be afraid to ask – you’re about to make a big decision.
- Check out the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory – this is directory includes basic practice profile data on virtually every lawyer in the United States and Canada, as well as detailed professional biographies of leading lawyers and firms in 160 countries. It includes lawyer and law firm ratings based on peer reviews, which will be a great tool when you’re choosing between two equally qualified candidates. You can find it online at Martindale.com or at your local public and law libraries.
- Do a background check – contact the lawyer disciplinary agency in your state to confirm that he or she is in good standing as a member of the bar. For an online listing of each state’s lawyer disciplinary agency, review this directory of lawyer disciplinary agencies. You should always check references, especially if you located the attorney through the Internet or first heard about him or her through an advertisement.
- Ask other attorneys – chances are you either know lawyers socially or have used at least one in a specialized area that differs from the person you’re now seeking to hire. They know the skill and reputation of other lawyers and may be able to provide information you can’t find elsewhere.
If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Contact me at GloriaLaw.com or at 772-287-1220 to schedule your free consultation.
