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How do I choose a lawyer?
Consider the following:
Comfort Level - Are you comfortable telling the lawyer personal
information? Does the lawyer seem interested in solving your problem?
Credentials - How long has the lawyer been in practice? Has
the lawyer worked on other cases similar to yours?
Cost - How are the lawyer's fees structured - hourly or flat
fee? Can the lawyer estimate the cost of your case?
City - Is the lawyer's office conveniently located?
Not sure what questions to ask a lawyer?
Here are a few to get you started:
- How long have you been in practice?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- How often do you settle cases out of court?
- What are your fees and costs?
- What are the next steps?
Want to check lawyer discipline?
It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:
- Ensure the attorney is currently licensed to practice in your state
- Gain an understanding of his or her historical disciplinary record, if any.
- Determine the seriousness of complaints/issues which could range from late bar fees to more serious issues requiring disciplinary action.