what are you looking for in an attorney

by Ella Oberbrunner 9 min read

What to Look for In a Lawyer

  • Trustworthy. While an attorney’s knowledge and experience working similar cases is certainly important, often it is the...
  • Relatable. In many cases, to feel comfortable discussing the particulars of their situation, a person must see their...
  • Reliable. Finally, any attorney you partner with should be reliable. They should have at least enough...

7 Things to Look for When Choosing an Attorney
  • 7 Things to Look for When Choosing an Attorney. ...
  • Experience in Your Case's General Area of the Law. ...
  • Experience with Similar Types of Clients. ...
  • Good Communication Skills. ...
  • Located and Licensed in the Proper Jurisdiction. ...
  • Trustworthy. ...
  • On Your Side. ...
  • Up Front About Fees.

Full Answer

How to tell if an attorney is a good attorney?

What to Look for In a Lawyer Trustworthy. While an attorney’s knowledge and experience working similar cases is certainly important, often it is the... Relatable. In many cases, to feel comfortable discussing the particulars of their situation, a person must see their... Reliable. Finally, any ...

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Must have: Is the attorney in good standing? Preference: Does their communication method work for you? Consider: How much expertise do they have in the practice area of your legal matter?

How to find an excellent lawyer?

May 13, 2016 · Determining whether you need a lawyer is not always a simple task. And even after you have decided to hire an attorney, there still remains the problem of choosing the best person to represent you. Knowing what to look for in an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Even if you were guaranteed the same result, some …

What to look for in a good lawyer?

Jun 20, 2019 · You want an attorney you are comfortable with, because that leads to the best outcome. If you don't trust someone, they should not be your attorney. Among a group of equally competent attorneys, some will be better for certain personalities, others …

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What qualities should an attorney have?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the Job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•Jun 17, 2019

What makes an attorney great?

Here are the top 5 qualities of a good lawyer: responsiveness, analytical skills, good research skills, speaking skills, and listening skills. and understand it on the spot. ... All lawyers should respond to their clients, law partners, secretaries, and anyone else involved in a case.

What personality type is best for lawyer?

According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are:ISTJ (17.8 per cent)INTJ (13.1 per cent)ESTJ (10.3 per cent)ENTP (9.7 per cent)INTP (9.4 per cent)ENTJ (9.0 per cent)Jan 21, 2019

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

DutiesAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

How much does an attorney charge per hour?

Attorneys charge anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more per hour, depending on the location, size and prestige of the firm as well as the lawyer's reputation and experience. Shop around to get quotes from several firms before making a decision. However, beware of comparing one attorney with another on the basis of fees alone.

Do attorneys charge by the hour?

Most attorneys bill by the hour. Some attorneys suggest a flat fee for certain routine matters, such as reviewing a contract or closing a loan. If you think one method will work better for you than another, don't hesitate to bring it up with the attorney; many will offer flexible arrangements to meet your needs.

1. EXPERIENCE

One of the most important things to look for in a potential attorney is experience – i.e. experience the lawyer and their law firm have in handling matters similar to those which you are facing. There can be no substitute for experience.

2. LEGAL FEES

One of the first things most people consider when they think about going to see a lawyer is “how much is this going to cost?” This is a great question and one you should ask your attorney before you hire them.

3. COMMUNICATION

If you are like me, it is very frustrating to call someone, leave a message, and then never get a return call. It makes you wonder if you really just don’t matter to them.

5. HONEST ADVICE

It probably sounds like a bad joke, but believe it or not, honesty is something you can – and should – expect in an attorney, especially one who will be working for you.

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

What Should I Look for When Trying to Choose a Lawyer? A lawyer is an advocate. She should fight on your behalf, using reasonable, ethical, and cost-effective means. You should have an open line of communication with your attorney. After all, there's a reason why attorneys are also referred to as “counselors.”.

Where can I find a good attorney?

Great attorneys can be found in high rise office buildings, small firms, solo offices, and in online directories.

How long should I stay in contact with a divorce lawyer?

If this is more than a short-term dispute, such as a contentious divorce, you'll need to stay in contact with this attorney regularly over a few months, if not years. What you want to avoid is the attorney that does not return phone calls or emails in a timely manner. Though your case may be routine for him, it is very important to you and should be treated as such.

What is the importance of a counselor?

A comfortable and open relationship will allow you to share relevant information to your case openly, honestly, and completely. After all, a lawyer can't fully assist you without knowing all of the pertinent information.

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Experience

  • One of the most important things to look for in a potential attorney is experience – i.e. experience the lawyer and their law firm have in handling matters similar to those which you are facing. There can be no substitute for experience. Just as you would not necessarily trust an inexperienced mechanic with your vehicle, or an inexperienced caretaker for your children, you ar…
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Legal Fees

  • One of the first things most people consider when they think about going to see a lawyer is “how much is this going to cost?” This is a great question and one you should ask your attorney before you hire them. At Hare Wynn, we utilize a fee structure referred to as a “contingency fee arrangement.” This means that we only earn a fee if we succeed in making a monetary recovery …
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Communication

  • If you are like me, it is very frustrating to call someone, leave a message, and then never get a return call. It makes you wonder if you really just don’t matter to them. A lawyer who doesn’t make an effort to get back in touch with their clients promptly is doing both the client and their law practice a disservice. While it is true that lawyers are often out of the office in court, taking depo…
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Availability

  • Availability means two things: 1. The attorney will be the one who actually represents you in your case 2. The attorney will be responsive at all times to you It may be hard to believe, but many attorneys with larger firms – especially in the personal injury practice– don’t actually handle the cases themselves. They may be the advertising front-man, but in reality, one of their associates …
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Honest Advice

  • It probably sounds like a bad joke, but believe it or not, honesty issomething you can – and should – expect in an attorney, especially one who will be working for you. When we talk about honesty, we’re referring to an attorney who will evaluate your case for its strengths, but will also be upfront with you about any potential issues they foresee. An exceptional attorney will give you their hone…
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