how do you figure out what attorney is the best for your area

1. Determine what type of attorney you need. It is always preferable to locate an attorney who has specialized expertise in the practice area that your case involves (e.g., malpractice ...
2. Contact your local bar association for qualified attorneys in your area. ...
3. Review online listings of attorneys. Many websites offer free reviews of businesses. Some places to look for lawyer reviews include: LegalZoom, Rocketlawyer, LawTrades, and Avvo.com.
4. Get referrals and recommendations from friends and family. Talk to friends and family members who used an attorney.
5. Make a list of the potential attorneys you have found in your area. Include the attorney’s name, address, phone number and website address.
Review each attorney’s website. You will want to look for information about the type of law the attorney practices.
Keep in mind that the size of the firm may matter. ...

Full Answer

How to find an excellent lawyer?

May 23, 2020 · The first thing to look for is a track record — the lawyer should be able to point to many successful cases and happy clients. Next, free consultations are always a good perk. That will allow you and the lawyer to figure out whether or …

What makes a great lawyer?

Feb 22, 2021 · Therefore, you can easily fall into a situation from which even the best lawyer may not be able to get you out – and this can have unforeseeable legal consequences. If, after that, a lawyer agrees to resolve such a dispute, it can all cost you dearly. That is why it is best to hire a good lawyer to represent you at the very beginning.

How to find the right lawyer for your needs?

Sep 04, 2020 · Do Some Research. You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews. You might also consult your local or state bar association’s attorney directory, which is a list of lawyers in your area.

How do you search for a lawyer?

The best way to find the right attorney for you is to do your homework and trust your instincts. The worst way to find an attorney is call the first ad you see on a passing bus or on television. Quality attorneys will have good references. Friends or family members may have experience with an attorney they can recommend.

How do I decide what kind of lawyer to get?

Here are a few questions to help you determine what type of law would be a good fit for you:How Much Do You Like to Argue?How Motivated You Are by Money?How Much Control Do You Need Over Your Work Life?How Much Interaction Do You Need With Other People?What Do You Like to Do?Dec 11, 2019

How do I find a good local lawyer?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.Sep 9, 2019

What source online would you think is the most reliable for finding a quality lawyer?

Best for Finding a Lawyer FindLaw Every legal issue requires a different type of attorney and the best place to find them all is FindLaw. The online directory lists hundreds of U.S. attorneys in 119 specific areas of law, making it easy to find the most qualified practitioner for your case.

What kinds of questions would you ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

Tap Your Network

Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find.

Do Some Research

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Now that you have some attorney options, it’s time to choose. To get you started, here’s a list of questions to ask an attorney before hiring them:

More Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

Can you be incarcerated for six months?

If you are accused of a crime, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, either the judge hearing the case will appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government’s public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

What is hourly rate in law?

Lawyers charging an hourly rate “bill” hours and then charge the client for the amount of hours worked on the client’s matter. Usually, hourly rates are used by businesses and corporations who may be involved in litigation. Additionally, individuals may be charged hourly rates for long or complicated litigation. ...

What is an engagement letter?

This is a contract between you and your attorney that defines the nature of the legal engagement you are involved in, and the conditions and terms of your agreement with your attorney.

How Much Do You Like to Argue?

Few anticipate the level of day-to-day conflict they would be participating in as litigators. It's clear they argue cases in court, but they underestimate the level of ongoing animosity with opposing counsel and so on. If you think you want to be a litigator, be sure you like fighting. The happiest litigators love the game and thrive on winning.

How Motivated You Are by Money?

Studies of lawyers suggest that the happiest ones tend to be the lowest paid. Unfortunately, in the legal profession, there’s often a trade off between meaningful work and high pay.

How Much Control Do You Need Over Your Work Life?

The reality of the legal profession is that you won’t necessarily exercise perfect control over your work. You might be subject to the demands of the court, of partners you work for, or of the funding cycle of your non-profit.

How Much Interaction Do You Need With Other People?

Law, on the whole, disproportionately attracts introverted people. If you like to engage with other people on an ongoing basis, it’s important to look for legal jobs where this is the default. In many cases, lawyers are heads-down in their own offices churning out work.

What Do You Like to Do?

As you go through law school or your early legal career, pay careful attention to the type of day-to-day work you enjoy.

List of State Lawyer Licensing Databases

How do you check to see if an attorney has a valid bar license to practice law in a given state?

How to Search for an Attorney by Speciality

All of these directories allow you to search for the attorney by name.

How to Find Disciplinary Records Online

Use the links below to select the state where the attorney practices law. Then go to the state bar site to search the attorney's name or bar number. On many of these directories, you can see if the license has ever been inactive or if the attorney was disciplined for misconduct.

What is general damages?

General damages, on the other hand, aren't so easy to quantify. They include a sub-category of damages known as pain and suffering, which means the physical discomfort, mental anxiety, stress, and similar negative effects of the injuries -- as well as the impact that the injuries have on the claimant's day-to-day life.

How to negotiate a settlement for a car accident?

The first step in negotiating a settlement for a car accident or personal injury claim is calculating a reasonable amount of money you would accept to give up your legal claim. Most insurance companies and injury attorneys rely on one formula or another to get a starting point for settlement talks. This is true for a bodily injury claim in ...

Can you win a lawsuit if you are found to be at fault?

The following states have a very harsh rule on shared fault. You cannot win any damages if you are found to be even 1% at fault. If the evidence shows that your own carelessness contributed to your injuries, you cannot win an award in a lawsuit, so your estimated settlement value is nearly zero.