What factors should I take into consideration when hiring a lawyer?

When your options are endless, making a choice can seem impossible. There are hundreds of lawyers providing services in all different types of law. Depending on what type of case you have, you are going to want to take into consideration different aspects of the lawyer and the firm they represent, before signing a retainer and sending payment.

Family law can be extremely personal. Dealing with a case that involves divorce, custody, and other family issues can be emotionally taxing and stressful. The best way to research lawyers without locking into a contract is to first collect a list of lawyers that do free family law consultations. During a free consultation, you are going to be able to get a sense of the lawyer’s personality and experience.

You are going to want to make sure you choose a lawyer that mutually respects you, your case, and you intended results. A lawyer that is a Rockstar communicator can make sure your goals are being met, and your expectations are kept realistic. Communication between a client and attorney can be quite frequent, so it is important that you choose a lawyer that you trust and feel comfortable speaking with.

If you are the kind of person that is super busy during regular work hours, it might be important to find a lawyer that has a flexible schedule. You want an attorney that answers phone calls and emails after 5:00 p.m., and can possibly meet on weekends. Not all lawyers will accommodate around their client’s schedule, so make sure this is something you bring up during the initial consultation.

Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed when they file for bankruptcy. It is important to choose a lawyer that does not judge you or your situation. If you believe your case is going to require more in-depth work and face time with your lawyer, it may be in your best financial interest to choose an attorney that bills a flat fee for bankruptcy cases, rather than an hourly rate.

When searching online for a lawyer, there are many items you can look at in determining if the firm is the right choice for you. Good lawyers will not only have a few five-star reviews, but dozens of good reviews. You might want to read some of the top reviews, and see what other have to say about the attorney and how they interact with clients. If there are bad reviews, take a moment to see how to law firm responds to those negative reviews.

Proximity is also an important factor to take into consideration when choosing a lawyer for your case. If you are going to have to constantly meet with your lawyer in person, it makes the most sense to find a lawyer close by to your home. If this is not something you are able to do—if for example you live in a rural area or you do not have access to transportation, make sure the lawyer you choose is able to accommodate you with zoom video calls if needed.

While the factors above are all important when making that final choice of who to choose as your representation in your legal case, it is not all. At the end of the day, you are the only person who can decide what is best for you. Go with your gut, and choose someone you can trust and rely on.