how to find attorney area of expertise

by Dr. Alexie Block 5 min read

One place to find lawyers who may have highly specialized knowledge is by searching law school faculty directories. Some law school faculty members are members of law firms, or sometimes handle or consult on specialized cases.

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.

Full Answer

How to find a lawyer in your area?

Attorney Areas of Expertise. The UW System attorneys have expertise and practice in a number of general legal subject areas, such as discrimination law and employment law. Because higher education law is complex, Office of General Counsel attorneys also specialize in certain areas. Click on any of the topics below to find the contact information for an attorney who specializes …

How do I find a good personal injury lawyer?

Sep 09, 2019 · Some ads also will help you determine a lawyer’s area of expertise. Other ads will quote a fee or price range for handling a specific type of “simple” case. Keep in mind that your case may not have a simple solution. If a lawyer quotes a fee, be certain you know exactly what services and expenses the charge does and does not include.

How to find a reliable lawyer?

How to Find an Expert Lawyer. The general process of finding a lawyer may involve seeking referrals from lawyers you trust, seeking referrals from bar associations or legal organizations, online searches, and the use of directories. But when you are looking for a lawyer who practices in a relatively narrow or specialized field, the search process can become more complicated.

Are all lawyers certified in a specific field?

Tort is an area of law which stretches across a broad range of legal areas, allowing individuals who have had a wrong committed against them to claim damages against the person who has committed the wrong. This is one of the core topics in the LLB which all aspiring lawyers will learn about in detail during their studies and training.

image

What are the areas of law practice in which lawyers specialize?

This is simply meant to be a general overview of the most common law specializations people pursue in law school.Bankruptcy law. ... Business law. ... Civil rights law. ... Criminal law. ... Environmental law. ... Family law. ... Health law. ... Immigration law.More items...

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.

Can lawyers use the word expertise?

When describing a lawyer's services many state bar rules prohibit the use of the terms “specialist,” “specialized,” and “expert” unless you are certified by the state bar or another accredited organization. ... Using “expert” and “specialist” in legal content writing is one of the most common violations of that rule.Mar 28, 2014

How do I choose an area of law practice?

How to pick your area of legal practiceThink about your personality. Can you envision yourself in the area of law you want to practice? ... Don't waver in your choice. Once you decide on one area of practice, try not to waver in your decision too much. ... Think about the long-term.Jan 16, 2019

Is nolo a legitimate site?

Nolo is a legal website that provides access to legal forms, software, books, and ebooks. ... Nolo is one of the oldest companies in the legal services space, founded in 1971 by two attorneys.Oct 14, 2020

Is LawDepot actually free?

The Free Trial gives you one week of uninterrupted access to all of LawDepot's documents. This license automatically renews after the one-week period. ... You can purchase LawDepot documents individually without signing up for a Free Trial or a One Year Pro Subscription.

Who can call themselves an expert?

More knowledge than others – Dictionary.com says that an expert is someone “a person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field.” If you have more knowledge in a subject than most other people, you might qualify as an expert in that field.Jul 17, 2009

Is it ethically permissible for attorneys to claim to be a specialist on sites such as Linkedin?

Specialist status: In most states, including California, a lawyer can not hold himself out to be a specialist without being state certified as such. Therefore, do not list any of your practice areas under a section labeled specialties.Sep 9, 2014

What is the easiest area of law to practice?

Here are three areas of law that are relatively low-stress.Estate Planning. When I went to law school, I was determined to not practice estate planning. ... Real Estate. Another great option is real estate law. ... Traffic Law. Another low-stress area of law is traffic law. ... There Are Lots Of Options.Mar 24, 2021

What area of law is most in demand?

Highest Client Growth Rates by Practice AreaInsurance: +2190% (YoY) ... Criminal Law: +1680% (YoY) ... Civil Rights: +1160% (YoY) ... Personal Injury: +660% (YoY) ... Estate Planning: +330% (YoY) ... Bankruptcy: +280% (YoY) ... Employment Law: +190% (YoY) ... Business Law: +140% (YoY) (Top growth area: Contracts)More items...•Sep 21, 2020

Which law practice is most profitable?

Highest paying legal jobsIntellectual property paralegal. ... Litigation lawyer. ... General counsel. ... Contracts lawyer. ... Employment lawyer. ... Chief legal officer. National average salary: $148,051 per year. ... Patent attorney. National average salary: $162,214 per year. ... Corporate lawyer. National average salary: $250,028 per year.More items...•Feb 22, 2021

How do you research lawyers?

As much as possible, ask friends, family, or colleagues for lawyer recommendations based on people they trust or have worked with in the past. If you're having trouble getting a personal recommendation, websites like Super Lawyers list the best attorneys by practice area, location, and reputation.Jan 19, 2016

What skills should a lawyer have?

Examples of lawyer skillsAnalytical and research skills. Lawyers rely heavily on their ability to perform deep research into topics related to cases they work on. ... Attention to detail. ... Organizational skills. ... Time management. ... Persuasive communication. ... Written communication skills. ... Interpersonal skills. ... Technical skills.More items...•Feb 22, 2021

What qualities would you look for when hiring a lawyer?

7 Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer Before HiringExcellent Communication Skills. First, you want to make sure to find a lawyer with good communication skills. ... Research and Analytical Skills. ... Ethics and Good Judgement. ... Empathy. ... Perseverance. ... People Skills. ... Creativity.Mar 23, 2020

What are the 5 stages of legal research?

Five Steps of Legal ResearchFormulate a Research Plan.Consult Secondary Sources.Consult Primary Sources. ( a) Expand Primary Law, and (b) Update Primary Law.Analyze & Organize Results.Apr 27, 2021

How do I find out if a lawyer is credible?

For the public, the best way to confirm that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction is to contact the licensing or regulatory agency in that state that grants the bar license. In most states, the licensing or regulatory agency is managed by the state bar or the state bar association.Feb 15, 2021

What happens if interpersonal skills are lacking in attorney?

Interpersonal skills are the qualities and behaviors a person uses to interact with others properly. ... Without solid interpersonal skills, your team may be working inefficiently and unharmoniously. You also could be inadvertently causing your employer to doubt your ability to one day lead your own team.

What are the weaknesses of a lawyer?

WeaknessesSkills gaps.Poor work habits.Client development.Negative personal characteristics.Sep 16, 2019

What personality traits do lawyers have?

Five Traits of Great LawyersCompassion: One of the Many Qualities of a Lawyer. Compassion is an emotional response whereby one perceives another's problem and authentically, genuinely wants to help resolve the problem. ... Ability to Listen. ... Assertiveness, Not Aggressiveness. ... Creativity. ... Perseverance.

What are the seven skills of a lawyer?

Public speaking.Writing skills.Ability to work with the client.The ability to search and analyze, apply logic.Study of judicial practice, legal research.Technologies.Knowledge of basic laws and legal procedures.Time Management.More items...•Sep 14, 2021

How can I become a strong lawyer?

To help guide you on your journey, here are a few tips to help you become the most successful lawyer you can be.Continue to Learn in Your Area. It's critical to your success to stay up-to-date in your field of law. ... Keep Improving Your Communication Skills. ... Develop Good Research Skills. ... Be Creative. ... Be Analytical.Aug 15, 2018

What interests should a person have for law?

Law (main motivation: serving and protecting society)applying rules and regulations.influencing people.legal matters.persuading people.protecting others.social justice.solving difficult situations.working with those who have lost direction.

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.

How to Find an Expert Lawyer

The general process of finding a lawyer may involve seeking referrals from lawyers you trust, seeking referrals from bar associations or legal organizations, online searches, and the use of directories. But when you are looking for a lawyer who practices in a relatively narrow or specialized field, the search process can become more complicated.

How to Find an Expert Witness

If you're a private individual seeking an expert witness, and you have a lawyer, you should delegate the task of locating and retaining an expert witness to your lawyer.

How to Find a Legal Consultant

What if you're looking for a legal expert for a purpose other than a specific legal case? For example, what if you want a legal expert to provide commentary for an article that you are writing, to participate in an interview, or to appear on a television or radio broadcast?

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 to find a lawyer for a lawsuit?

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

What is Nolo lawyer directory?

Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates -- $150 to $450 an hour -- you'd quickly empty your bank account.

Do lawyers work with you?

Fortunately, many lawyers will work with you to help you acquire a good working knowledge of the legal principles and procedures you need to deal with your problem at least partly on your own. If you are hoping to represent yourself and use a lawyer only for advice, make sure the lawyer is open to that type of set-up.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

What can a law librarian do?

A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

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 is a mentor on a resume?

When creating your resume, another thing to consider is that most companies use a form of AI to sort through them and look for important keys.

What is hard skills?

Hard skills are the ones that are for the job you’re applying to that are both directly relevant to the position and are teachable. That means you’ll have learned them from a mentor or from taking a class, or experience through previous work. Hard skills can be measured through:

What are some examples of soft skills?

Examples of soft skills: Leadership. Problem solving. Strong communication skills. Good with teamwork. Good time management. Adaptability to both work and environment. Having both hard and soft skills within your resume is a great way to stand out against the competition.

image

How to Find The Right Lawyer

  • Locating a good lawyer who can efficiently help with your particular problem may not be easy. Don't expect to locate a good lawyer by simply looking in the phone book or reading an advertisement. There's not enough information in these sources to help you make a valid judgment.
See more on nolo.com

Consider A Specialist

  • Most lawyers specialize in certain areas, and even a so-called "general practitioner" may not know that much about the particular area of your concern. For example, of the almost one million lawyers in America today, probably fewer than 50,000 possess sufficient training and experience in small business law to be of real help to an aspiring entrepreneur. It can pay to work with a law…
See more on nolo.com

Interview The Prospective Lawyers

  • When you get the names of several good prospects, the next step is to talk to each personally. If you outline your needs in advance, many lawyers will be willing to meet to you for a half-hour or so at no charge so that you can size them up and make an informed decision.
See more on nolo.com

Further Resources

  • For more tips on choosing and working with a lawyer, see the eBook The Lawsuit Survival Guide: A Client's Companion to Litigation, by Joseph Matthews (Nolo). Before you meet with a lawyer, you might want to learn some common (and perhaps even not-so-common) legal terms. Get Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary, available as a free iPhone app(also compatible with iPod touch).
See more on nolo.com