Choosing a lawyer - things to look for
How do you choose a lawyer? There are many different sectors within the law, so how do you know who or what course of action will be best suited to your situation? You need to ask yourself what exactly you are looking for and research what is relevant. Some areas of law may cross over, which can make it tricky to know what to do for the best.
To an outsider, there is seemingly little difference between a family lawyer, an employment lawyer, and a local car accident lawyer - so how do you choose between them? Let’s explore the subject.
Relevant skills and experience
Make sure you approach a lawyer that has the relevant skills and experience in the area of law in which you require them. This may sound a little obvious, but the first step is to ensure you carry out at least a cursory level of research in terms of reviewing the lawyer or law firm’s services.
For example, just because a particular law firm states that “family law” is one of their services, this may not necessarily mean that you will be working with anyone who has specific experience in the type of family law that you need - family law is a broad area of law, offering everything from prenuptial agreements and divorce services, to child custody services and will writing services.
In order to get an idea of whether you are dealing with a suitable lawyer for your case, you may wish to make contact with the law firm and ask about the specific services provided. At this stage, you could also enquire as to the number of successful cases that the lawyer or law firm has handled - there may be testimonials and case studies online that could further reassure you that the law firm is a match for your case. This could also be a good time to ask about any awards or certificates that the lawyer may have gained in the field.
Communication (oral and written)
Even if your own oral and written communication is below standard, you can easily spot the difference between someone who cannot articulate themselves effectively and a calm, confident lawyer who speaks English with clarity and can tell you about all the different processes. They need to be able to explain everything clearly to you without being confusing. This makes all the difference. You can normally tell if your lawyer is a strong communicator from your first ever encounter. First impressions count - trust your initiative.
Likewise, in written communication, any documentation that is riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical issues should be a warning sign that the legal team with which you have entrusted your legal affairs is sloppy in appearance and by extension most likely wasteful in capitalizing on
Post a Comment