what factors do you look for in a attorney

by Emerald Wehner 10 min read

Some tips regarding what to look for in an attorney include:

  • Licensing: Your attorney should be currently holding a valid license under their state bar association. Some lawyers may...
  • Specializations: Some lawyers specialize in very specific fields. Hiring a specialist may be necessary if you have...
  • Track record: You may want to investigate the lawyer’s history of...

Here are 10 factors you should think about when searching for a lawyer:
  • Long or short term? ...
  • Area of law. ...
  • Are they highly regarded? ...
  • Location. ...
  • Experience. ...
  • Size of firm. ...
  • Cost and billing. ...
  • Compatibility.

Full Answer

What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

Jun 16, 2020 · Here are five factors to consider when hiring an attorney: Price (How much will this lawyer’s help cost me?) It can be stressful to think about how you will pay for legal services, especially if you’ve been injured and out of work.

What should I look for when hiring a family lawyer?

Feb 28, 2013 · Take note of what the attorney says and does, and look for the following qualities: Experience. Although it's not essential to find an expert in your particular field, it …

What information does an attorney need to provide to make decisions?

Nov 26, 2016 · As you point out, responsiveness is a very important factor when selecting a lawyer. One of the biggest complaints that clients voice about lawyers is that they can never reach or speak to them and/or that the lawyer does not return their call. This is really unfortunate. As you and David both pointed out, our reputation goes a long way.

How do you evaluate the experience of an attorney?

If you stay somewhere for the long term, then this says all sorts of things about your (1) social skills, (2) ability to fit in, (3) drive, (4) psychological stability, (5) work quality, (6) commitment, and (7) ability to be managed (and more). Law firms want …

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What should you look for in an attorney?

7 Things to Look for When Choosing an Attorney7 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.

What are some of the more important criteria to consider when selecting an attorney for a new firm?

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business AttorneyAchievements and Credentials. ... Determine Which Type of Attorney You Need. ... Look for an Attorney that Specializes in Your Niche. ... Choose an Appropriately Sized Firm. ... Additional Social Perks and Skills. ... Fee Structure and Billing. ... Friendliness and Support Quality.Apr 6, 2019

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 you know you have a good lawyer?

You will know you have an excellent lawyer if they offer advice based on their specialization field knowledge and experience. After all, you are paying them for quality services. The lawyer should have expertise in the successful representation of clients in the past regarding the specific legal issue you're battling.Sep 9, 2020

When an entrepreneur is considering hiring an attorney What is the single most important thing that he or she should consider in making the selection?

Experience is, by far, the most important thing to consider when selecting an attorney to represent you and your case. Make sure you to also select an attorney who devotes their time to a particular practice area related to your case, such as personal injury, estate planning or immigration, for example.Mar 26, 2019

How do I find an attorney specialty?

How to Find an Attorney by SpecialtyAsk Friends & Family. Before you look anywhere else, try asking friends and family members which lawyers they've worked with in the past. ... Ask Other Lawyers. ... Check Their Experience. ... Review Their Track Record. ... Check the Local Bar. ... Testimonials. ... Have Questions Ready. ... Trust Your Gut.More items...•Jan 27, 2020

What type of lawyers are the happiest?

The happiest attorneys, therefore, are those who experience a cultural fit. This means they work for firms where they are free to act independently, do work that matters to them and collaborate on teams with people who complement their personality and communication style.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaPatent attorney: $180,000.Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.Trial attorneys: $134,000.Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.More items...•Dec 14, 2021

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.Jan 15, 2010

What makes a lawyer good or bad?

A good lawyer has good academic credentials, credibility and reputation. A bad lawyer will mislead his client, may be greedy, sloppy in arguments, cannot articulate well or write good drafts. A bad lawyer lacks critical thinking ability, and pretends knowledge. Good lawyers protect the interest of the client.

What is a reliable lawyer?

Lawyers must be orally articulate, have good written communication skills and also be good listeners. In order to argue convincingly in the courtroom before juries and judges, good public speaking skills are essential.Nov 18, 2019

What to consider when choosing a lawyer?

While there are many professional things to consider when choosing a lawyer, their character should also factor into your decision. Find someone that is trustworthy and makes you feel comfortable. Mutual respect is also important.

How to be a good attorney?

A good attorney should also take the time to explain complicated matters, provide you with plain English advice on your situation, and present you with an array of options or solutions to mull over before deciding on a plan of action.

What is the area of law?

Area of law. Lawyers tend to specialize in certain areas of law, as it is a very large field of study, similar to medicine. Some cover real estate law, while others pursue business, family, intellectual property, immigration, employment, accident/injury, bankruptcy, criminal, or civil rights law.

How to find out about a lawyer's practice history?

You can find out information about their practicing history by simply asking them, or checking out their firm’s website (if they have one). An attorney with more experience may be more valuable, but only if their experience matches your situation, as well as your budget.

What to do when you hire someone to perform a service?

When you hire someone to perform a service or offer advice, you want to ensure that they know their stuff. You may need to ask for referrals from people who have worked with them before. You can also seek out referral services online who can pair you with a locally certified lawyer suited to your needs.

How does the size of a law firm affect your decision?

The size of the law firm can affect your decision in a few ways. Larger firms are usually more established and have greater resources, but can also be more costly.

How to avoid missed meetings?

Often, between paperwork and meetings, there can be a tendency to fall out of touch. Try to establish proactive communication at the beginning. Mention your preferred form of communication and discuss your hours, so you are both on the same page . This will prevent missed meetings or phone calls.

1. What Do They Specialize In?

First, when it comes to picking an attorney, you’ll need to find one that specializes in whatever services you need. Here’s a shortlist of the different type of lawyer specializations:

2. What Is Their Experience With Cases?

After you find the right type of lawyer that specializes in what you need, the next thing to look at is their experience. We believe that experience is hands down one of the most important deciding factors when you’re picking an attorney.

3. Picking an Attorney Using References and Reviews

References and reviews are a wonderful way to get a sneak peek of what working with a specific lawyer will be like. If you can speak to a former client, you’ll be able to get a really good idea of what it’ll be like working with the lawyer you’re considering.

4. Do They Have an Efficient Law Office?

Let’s say you talk to an attorney on the phone, and you like what they have to say. The next step is to then take a tour of the attorney’s law office. Simply request a brief tour of their office that will take you beyond the waiting room.

5. What Does the Lawyer Charge?

Next, you’ll want to find out if the lawyer you’re considering hiring is affordable. To determine whether or not an attorney will fit within your budget, you’ll need to find out their price point for all of the different fees you’ll be facing.

Win Your Case

Were you able to learn at least 1 new thing today about picking an attorney? Perhaps it was news to you that experience is one of the most important deciding factors. Or were you surprised to find out that not every lawyer has the same attorney fees?

Here are some questions you can ask when choosing a lawyer

Will I be charged for a consultation? (If so, how much is the consultation fee?)

What are their credentials? Level of Experience?

When researching attorneys in your area, you’ll likely want to work with someone that has enough experience to truly understand your case and how to get the compensation you deserve.

What is their Area of Expertise?

Along with experience, you’ll want to consider areas of expertise. You wouldn’t want a divorce attorney handling your Worker’s Compensation case.

Do they have a good Success Rate?

After looking into options within the area of law that your case will require and ensuring relevant work experience, you’ll want to consider their success rate.

Will they Pursue Litigation or Trial?

Not all attorneys are created equal. Some do not pursue litigation or go to trial.

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.

How do law firms work?

Law firms only function effectively when associates, partners, and others see themselves at the law firm for the long term and want to be there and succeed there. The entire hiring process is geared towards making sure the best people are brought in who want to be there.

Why do law firms hire lawyers?

Law firms want attorneys who fit in with their cultures and with the cultures of their clients, and who have good social skills. Some law firms are known for having certain types of clients and, because of this, they tend to hire attorneys who look and behave in a certain way.

Who is the founder of BCG?

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

Do law firms hire people?

Most major law firms do not hire people out of the government, from in-house positions, solo practitioners, small law firms, and so forth: These attorneys never learned how to do the work the way the firm wants it done. They pick up habits and ways of working that are simply not conducive to working in a law firm.

Do law firms have in-house counsel?

Most major law firms work for in-house counsel, and these in-house clients are acutely aware of the quality of the attorneys working on their matters. When law firms are “pitching” clients to work on new matters, the firms will often include the biographies of the people who will be staffed on the matters.

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Long Or Short term?

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Before you begin looking online, or asking colleagues, friends, or family for referrals, you need to address your own needs first. Why do you need an attorney? Do you have a legal problem that you cannot solve on your own? If so, would a professional be able to help? After you have identified you do need legal assistan…
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Area of Law

  • Lawyers tend to specialize in certain areas of law, as it is a very large field of study, similar to medicine. Some cover real estate law, while others pursue business, family, intellectual property, immigration, employment, accident/injury, bankruptcy, criminal, or civil rights law. Attorneys can also be open to a wide range of situations, in which case they are referred to as general practice …
See more on lawdepot.com

Are They Highly regarded?

  • When you hire someone to perform a service or offer advice, you want to ensure that they know their stuff. You may need to ask for referrals from people who have worked with them before. You can also seek out referral services online who can pair you with a locally certified lawyer suited to your needs. Personal recommendations or connections can also be valuable, such as friends or …
See more on lawdepot.com

Location

  • Laws vary by state. This means you should look for someone in your area who is familiar with the region’s legal requirements. If you happen to live in a rural area with limited resources, you can use other methods of contact, such as phone or email, to discuss smaller issues. With larger legal matters, or for long term counsel, it’s important to find someone close to you so that you can de…
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Experience

  • In addition to someone with a specialization in the area of law you require, choose an attorney with experience cases similar to your own. You can find out information about their practicing history by simply asking them, or checking out their firm’s website (if they have one). An attorney with more experience may be more valuable, but only if their experience matches your situation, …
See more on lawdepot.com

Size of Firm

  • The size of the law firm can affect your decision in a few ways. Larger firms are usually more established and have greater resources, but can also be more costly. Smaller firms may be more personal and perhaps less expensive, but they may be limited in their services if they don’t specialize in the area of law that you desire.
See more on lawdepot.com

Cost and Billing

  • Ultimately, cost will be a factor when you’re choosing an attorney. How much you are willing to spend is up to you. You can gather more information beforehand by asking the lawyer for a quote, as well as how they bill their clients. It could be an hourly fee, a flat rate, a contingency fee, a negotiable fee, or possibly even a retainer for future fees. Find out if the fee includes expenses (…
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Compatibility

  • While there are many professional things to consider when choosing a lawyer, their character should also factor into your decision. Find someone that is trustworthy and makes you feel comfortable. Mutual respect is also important. A lawyer who will work hard for you, exercise good judgment, and be thorough and thoughtful in the process is a valuable asset.
See more on lawdepot.com

Availability

  • Does the lawyer you want to hire have enough time to dedicate to your case? How is their caseload? Can they take on your case immediately? These are important questions to ask if you plan on being in contact with the attorney often. If they appear to be overworked, consider looking for someone else who has the time to attend to your needs.
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Communication

  • Communication goes hand in hand with compatibility and availability. Often, between paperwork and meetings, there can be a tendency to fall out of touch. Try to establish proactive communication at the beginning. Mention your preferred form of communication and discuss your hours, so you are both on the same page. This will prevent missed meetings or phone calls…
See more on lawdepot.com

What Do They Specialize in?

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First, when it comes to picking an attorney, you’ll need to find one that specializes in whatever services you need. Here’s a shortlist of the different type of lawyer specializations: 1. Estate planning lawyer 2. Criminal lawyer 3. Employment lawyer 4. Bankruptcy lawyer 5. Personal injury lawyer 6. Intellectual property lawyer It’s …
See more on elmens.com

What Is Their Experience with Cases?

  • After you find the right type of lawyer that specializes in what you need, the next thing to look at is their experience. We believe that experience is hands down one of the most important deciding factors when you’re picking an attorney. However, simply finding out that your lawyer has 20 years of experience isn’t enough. You’ll need to dig a little deeper to find out what their case history loo…
See more on elmens.com

Picking An Attorney Using References and Reviews

  • References and reviews are a wonderful way to get a sneak peek of what working with a specific lawyer will be like. If you can speak to a former client, you’ll be able to get a really good idea of what it’ll be like working with the lawyer you’re considering. To find a former client, talk to friends, family members, and co-workers. Ask them if they know any good lawyers that specialize in the …
See more on elmens.com

Do They Have An Efficient Law Office?

  • Let’s say you talk to an attorney on the phone, and you like what they have to say. The next step is to then take a tour of the attorney’s law office. Simply request a brief tour of their office that will take you beyond the waiting room. On your tour, notice whether or not things look organized. Do you get the impression the office is running smoothly, or does everyone seem rushed and frantic…
See more on elmens.com

What Does The Lawyer Charge?

  • Next, you’ll want to find out if the lawyer you’re considering hiring is affordable. To determine whether or not an attorney will fit within your budget, you’ll need to find out their price point for all of the different fees you’ll be facing. Here’s a shortlist of common attorney fees: 1. Consultation fees 2. Contingency fees 3. Flat fees 4. Hourly rate 5. Retainer fees 6. Statutory fee Legal fees ca…
See more on elmens.com

Win Your Case

  • Were you able to learn at least 1 new thing today about picking an attorney? Perhaps it was news to you that experience is one of the most important deciding factors. Or were you surprised to find out that not every lawyer has the same attorney fees? We hope our article will inspire you to take your time, as you find the perfect attorney to meet your needs. For more ways to get the things y…
See more on elmens.com