Tips for choosing a good lawyer
Choosing the right attorney can often seem like a daunting task in today’s world of scammers and fraud; television and the media tend to instill in us a stereotype of ruthless lawyers who only care about money and prestige. And while there are some who fall into that category, most of the men and women who practice law are solid professionals who want to do their job well and genuinely care about the services they are performing.
There are numerous excellent attorneys around; you just have to make sure you get the right one for you. All lawyers are not the same and do not specialize in the same tasks; many take on roles in specialized fields of law, such as personal injury law and financial law. It is up to you to determine what type of attorney you need; Fortunately, there are plenty of resources on the web for people who need to figure out what kind of lawyer they need.
Remember, you would not hire a divorce attorney to help you with your tax problems, and you certainly would not hire a tax attorney to help you with a divorce case. Therefore, it is imperative to determine what type of case you have and find an attorney accordingly.
Once you’ve figured out what kind of lawyer you need, it’s time to find one. Ask everyone you know if they have any recommendations. If not, research what you can online and find someone who meets your needs. Before contacting them, look at their credentials. Call the bar association or visit their website to determine if the person actually has a license and how clean their records are. Find out how many cases they have won or lost, how many have been dismissed, and any other details that might help you decide.
When contacting your attorney, ask for references from previous patients before making an appointment; This is a great way to determine if the lawyer is good and takes care of their clients. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so don’t be afraid to take the opportunity to consult them. While you’re there, you can also request a list of customer references.
After choosing your lawyer, you will sit down with him and discuss fees. Most lawyers, regardless of their specialty, will request a retainer just for hiring their services. In addition to the advance, you may be charged by the hour or on a contingency basis. The contingency simply refers to the percentage of money that a lawyer can earn if they win your case; in some situations they can take up to 40%.
Hiring the right attorney makes all the difference in your case; it could be the difference between winning and losing. If you have a good, knowledgeable attorney defending you who is a specialist in the area in which you need representation, you are on the right track.
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