Choosing an Attorney: 10 Things to Consider

Much like an accountant or a contractor, you should approach choosing an attorney wisely. Not only will you be sharing confidential information with this person, but you will also be entrusting them to offer you proper legal advice and guide you through a situation you wouldn’t otherwise be able to navigate on your own.

From qualifications and cost, to the area of law and location, there are several aspects to turn over in your mind before selecting the attorney that is best for you and your legal situation.

Here are 10 factors you should think about when searching for a lawyer:

1. Long or short term?

Before you begin looking online, or asking colleagues, friends, or family for referrals, you need to address your own needs first. Why do you need an attorney? Do you have a legal problem that you cannot solve on your own? If so, would a professional be able to help?

After you have identified you do need legal assistance, figure out whether you need a lawyer short term or long term. This will depend on the work you would like done. For instance, do you need an attorney to provide advice on a current legal situation? This may only require a short term hire or a consultation. Oppositely, if you are looking for someone to handle all your legal affairs indefinitely, then you may require a long term attorney who you can call on when you need them.

2. Area of law

Lawyers tend to specialize in certain areas of law, as it is a very large field of study, similar to medicine. Some cover real estate law, while others pursue business, family, intellectual property, immigration, employment, accident/injury, bankruptcy, criminal, or civil rights law.

Attorneys can also be open to a wide range of situations, in which case they are referred to as general practice attorneys. Smaller communities see more general practitioners because there is limited legal help in the area.

However, if your situation is specific to your business, then you may want to choose someone who has experience in corporate law. Alternatively, if you need help settling a loved one’s estate, an estate planning lawyer would be the best fit.

3. Are they highly regarded?

When you hire someone to perform a service or offer advice, you want to ensure that they know their stuff. You may need to ask for referrals from people who have worked with them before. You can also seek out referral services online who can pair you with a locally certified lawyer suited to your needs.

Personal recommendations or connections can also be valuable, such as friends or family who have worked with a specific attorney.

4. Location

Laws vary by state. This means you should look for someone in your area who is familiar with the region’s legal requirements. 

If you happen to live in a rural area with limited resources, you can use other methods of contact, such as phone or email, to discuss smaller issues. With larger legal matters, or for long term counsel, it’s important to find someone close to you so that you can develop a trusted, face-to-face relationship.

5. Experience

In addition to someone with a specialization in the area of law you require, choose an attorney with experience cases similar to your own. You can find out information about their practicing history by simply asking them, or checking out their firm’s website (if they have one). An attorney with more experience may be more valuable, but only if their experience matches your situation, as well as your budget.

To find out more about an attorney’s past history, you may be able interview them to see if they are qualified to take on your case. Asking questions will give you insight into the type of experience they have, if they communicate well, and most of all, if they can help you.

6. Size of firm

The size of the law firm can affect your decision in a few ways. Larger firms are usually more established and have greater resources, but can also be more costly.

Smaller firms may be more personal and perhaps less expensive, but they may be limited in their services if they don’t specialize in the area of law that you desire.

7. Cost and billing

Ultimately, cost will be a factor when you’re choosing an attorney. How much you are willing to spend is up to you. You can gather more information beforehand by asking the lawyer for a quote, as well as how they bill their clients. It could be an hourly fee, a flat rate, a contingency fee, a negotiable fee, or possibly even a retainer for future fees.

Find out if the fee includes expenses (such as shipping, filing, and travel) because these costs are not always treated the same and could be billed separately.

If you are not satisfied with the quote or the cost does not suit your budget, shop around and ask the same questions. When you do settle on a firm or a lawyer, always make sure the cost terms are clear and don’t be afraid to talk about price, so there are no surprises. You may even wish to confirm all costs in a written agreement.

8. Compatibility

While there are many professional things to consider when choosing a lawyer, their character should also factor into your decision. Find someone that is trustworthy and makes you feel comfortable. Mutual respect is also important. A lawyer who will work hard for you, exercise good judgment, and be thorough and thoughtful in the process is a valuable asset.

9. Availability

Does the lawyer you want to hire have enough time to dedicate to your case? How is their caseload? Can they take on your case immediately? These are important questions to ask if you plan on being in contact with the attorney often. If they appear to be overworked, consider looking for someone else who has the time to attend to your needs.

10. Communication

Communication goes hand in hand with compatibility and availability. Often, between paperwork and meetings, there can be a tendency to fall out of touch. Try to establish proactive communication at the beginning. Mention your preferred form of communication and discuss your hours, so you are both on the same page. This will prevent missed meetings or phone calls. Agree on regular check-in times to discuss updates and ask questions.

A good attorney should also take the time to explain complicated matters, provide you with plain English advice on your situation, and present you with an array of options or solutions to mull over before deciding on a plan of action

Selecting the Right Attorney for You

Choosing an attorney may take time, and you might not always find one that you click with immediately. A quality attorney will be worth the recruiting effort, even if it means researching and interviewing several before you decide on one.

Most importantly, finding a lawyer that fits your needs, your budget, and your welfare is going to give you peace of mind because you will trust that they are looking out for your best interests.