At some point in your life, you may be faced with needing the help of a lawyer. Finding and hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. There are many qualified lawyers out there, but not all are suited for you or your case. Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but not one that is impossible. Here are a few tips for hiring the best lawyer.
Find out their fees
Perhaps the most important step is to determine how much they charge. Your case may determine the fee. Most lawyers will charge by the hour, a percentage of the amount covered, or a flat fee. You may also be charged for additional work concerning your case, such as legal research, any private investigation required, travel, researching and acquiring court records, filing lawsuits and documentation with the courts, and any correspondence that needs to be prepared and sent. Perhaps the best thing to do before hiring a lawyer is to have them outline all expected costs in detail.
Comfort level
Do you feel good about the lawyer you are hiring? You should. A case is rarely resolved quickly. You may find you are spending a significant amount of time with your lawyer as you work your way through the case. This is also a person with whom you may need to discuss sensitive information about business, finances, and other personal things. You want to hire a lawyer who won’t judge your situation and knows the law. Also, be wary of lawyers who oversell themselves and make big promises. Never forget, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are no 100% guarantees in life or cases.
Formal engagement letter
After you have finally narrowed your choice down to one, you need to secure that lawyer. A good lawyer will provide you with an engagement letter that serves as a binding contract between you both. You want this as it protects both you and them. It outlines the exact terms and conditions of your relationship relative to your case. You may also be signing a non-disclosure agreement, payment schedule, and rules for termination.
What happens if you are not satisfied?
Though uncomfortable, you need to learn what steps are needed to fire your lawyer. Perhaps the relationship takes a wrong turn during your case. Maybe they take some actions that you feel are detrimental to your case. Disputes with your lawyer can happen for several reasons. When you fire your lawyer, your contract may require you to either pay their fees for services rendered or still give them a percentage of an eventual settlement. Being aware of this ahead of time will prepare you if it becomes necessary.
Following these simple steps will ensure you have yourself covered in the event you need a lawyer. The case is stressful enough; why add to your stress?
