Need a lawyer? Most resources suggest that you ask friends, colleagues, or relatives for recommendations. Your problem is not unique, they say; someone you know will have “been there.” But what if they’re wrong? Your situation may be unusual in your social circle, or you may feel uncomfortable discussing your problems and concerns with others. Fortunately, you have the Internet.
Looking for Answers
As you begin your legal odyssey, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with information. Lawyers typically appreciate clients who take the time to educate themselves on their problems and possible legal remedies. Research your situation online. Be specific and trust only professional, reliable websites. State and local Bar Associations often contain a wealth of detailed articles on various legal topics, as do law school and government websites. The more completely you understand the law as it applies to your situation, the more likely you’ll be able to hire a qualified lawyer, and the better you’ll understand your case’s progress.
Looking for an Attorney
Forget those late-night advertisements, billboards, and pages upon pages of phone book ads. The Internet is your one-stop resource. Use lawyer-locate.com to search for attorneys specializing in your type of case, and who are located and licensed to practice in your state. Once you have a list of likely candidates, take the time to explore their websites in order to get a feel for the kind of practice they operate. You’re looking for a professional-appearing site which includes valuable, educational content, rather than just sales pitches. A good website says that the law firm values quality and communication in its client relationships.
You can also use the Internet to weed out potentially bad choices. A visit to your state Bar Association or Supreme Court websites will allow you to see whether or not an attorney has been disciplined for an ethical violation, and usually provides a detailed account of the proceedings involved.
Making a Decision
Most legal matters involve time limits. A lawsuit typically gives you twenty days to respond, while most offenses and litigations are subject to statutes of limitations. So you can’t spend weeks or months attorney-shopping. Now that you have your list of candidates, it’s time to take advantage of their “free consultations.” It’s easy to feel intimidated or overwhelmed during these appointments. Don’t be. You’re actually interviewing them, and the retaining decision is ultimately yours. Be upfront about your situation, financial concerns, and expectations. Ask about the attorney’s experience and fee schedule, her opinion of your case, and its probability of resolution. Take note of how she listens to you and her willingness to answer your questions and provide information. Is the staff professional and polite? This matters; you’ll be working with them closely, possibly for months and their attention to detail could mean the difference between success and failure.
A legal dilemma can often seem like a daunting wilderness, and here you are, armed with a pocketknife. Let lawyer-locate.com help you find the expert attorneys you need to fight your way through.
