“The selection of a lawyer should not be based solely on advertising”. Like me, I am sure you have heard this a couple of different times whether on the radio or a commercial on TV. You might not have given the saying a second thought, but when you find yourself in a situation where you need a lawyer, it is vital to know what to look for. You could have the best case possible with a 99% chance of winning and still end up losing if you do not have the right lawyer. There are many different aspects to selecting the right lawyer, but here are the five most important ones:

  • Areas of practice

  • Expertise

  • Cost

  • Availability

  • Rapport

Areas of Practice – When selecting a lawyer, it is important to know that there are numerous different kinds of lawyers out there. It can sometimes be difficult to know what kind of lawyer you need. If you already know what you need then you are off to a good start. If not, that is fine, as there are options to find what you need. You can always simply contact any law firm you feel comfortable with. Even if they do not practice in the area that you need, most lawyers have extensive connections and can point you in the right direction. If that is not for you, you can always research facts similar to your case and find out what type of lawyer would be best.

Expertise – Now that you know what type of lawyer you need, the next step is to find the best one. Just as there are numerous types of law, there are numerous different lawyers for each type. Obviously, for the best chance at success in your case you will need the best lawyer. An easy way to find the best is to view their recent cases (if possible), how long they have been practicing and what their previous clients have said about them. If you can find any of this information you will be well on your way to finding the best lawyer for you.

Cost – Alright, so you know what type of lawyer you want, and you have narrowed it down to a few with good reputations; next is cost. Unfortunately, lawyers can be expensive. The cost of a lawyer alone can be enough for someone to turn away from a certain law firm, so it is vitally important to pay attention to how much a lawyer will cost you. Sometimes lawyers will bill you hourly and sometimes only if you win your case. Finding this information out before hiring a lawyer can save you a lot of time and a lot of money.

Availability – Sweet! You found a lawyer that practices in the area you need, they have a good reputation, and they will not break your bank. It is time to see if they are available to take your case. With COVID-19, the legal world has slowed down quite a lot. Some cases brought forth today might take years before even seeing a trial. Because of this and concerns for safety, some lawyers have limited availability. Make sure that the lawyer you want is available to take your case and that that case will remain a priority to them if it is going to take a while.

Rapport – The final aspect of a good lawyer for you is how you work together. There are times where everything looks great on paper, however something does not click. You might not like their attitude, work ethic or something else. If you do not get along with your lawyer, then you might as well throw out your case right there. But if you work well with your lawyer and you have checked off the aspects above then congratulations! And good luck on your case!

If you are in search of an attorney for any legal needs, please feel free to contact us at Fortman Law. We practice nationwide. We offer free initial consultations and would be happy to help with your legal issue.