Know What Type of Attorney You are Considering Hiring
You need to determine if the lawyer you are considering hiring has the necessary experience and expertise to represent you effectively on your case. Ask your coworkers, family members, or friends to recommend any attorneys they may have used for a similar case.
Thoroughly Investigate Your Options
Make sure you research several attorneys by asking them questions about their experience and law practice areas. You want to make sure that the lawyers you are considering have expertise in the area of case law that you need. See if they offer a free initial consultation, how long they have been practicing, what cases they normally handle and the percentage of each type, how often they handle your particular type of case, and what fees can be expected. Make sure you ask any and all questions up front no matter how trivial they may seem. Also, make sure you make phone calls, but then meet with your finalists in person to be certain you are comfortable before agreeing to hire someone.
Observe How Your Prospective Attorney Replies to Your Inquiries
Watch whether the attorneys you interview write down notes and seem organized. Get a feeling for how open and straightforward they are. See if the potential lawyers explain things clearly and give you any written information you need.
Observe Your Prospective Attorney's Office Environment and Staff Members
You should also be comfortable in your lawyer's office and with their staff members since you will be working closely with them over a period of time.
Attorney Fees and Costs
You need to get information about any fees or costs associated with your case. Fees typically fall into four categories.
1. Contingent - You do not pay your attorney unless your case is won. Then the lawyer usually takes anywhere from 20% to 35% of your settlement or judgment.
2. Hourly - Your lawyer charges you a flat fee per hour.
3. Flat - For certain types of cases a single, one-time fee is charged.
4. Retainer - This is an up-front fee used to keep an attorney. This money is paid before the lawyer starts work and many times is used like an initial payment for fees and expenses incurred.
If you cannot afford to pay fees immediately you may negotiate with your prospective attorneys to pay on an installment or monthly payment plan.
Know Your Agreement
Make sure you and your attorney are on the same page as far as what exactly your agreement is. Make sure your lawyer and you both know what is covered and get an agreement in writing so there are no remaining questions.
Major Factors to Consider
When considering hiring an attorney, look for the right combination of availability, cost, experience, and suitability (how well your ideas mesh with the attorney's) for the best attorney to represent you.
