Finding a legal professional to handle your private and sometimes emotional matters can be a daunting task. It seems that the time we need a lawyer the most, we are least likely to be in the frame of mind to seek one. So how should you sort through the combination of recommendations and names that come your way when the situation arises and you must decide on legal representation for one reason or another?

Investigation. Investigation. Investigation. Is the attorney you are considering in good standing with the state bar association of the state in which you need representation? Has he been penalized or reprimanded for ethical or other violations? This information is generally a public record with your state professional responsibility board or state bar association website. Is he or she involved in any legal issues of their own that may affect or complicate their ability to represent you? Sometimes simply Googling the individual will reveal more than you know.

References. Talk to past and/or current clients of the prospective attorney to determine if they have had a good experience. Does the individual return the call promptly? Is the lawyer someone they would use again? Did you feel that the fees the attorney charged were commensurate with the services rendered? If applicable, was the outcome favorable?

Cost. What and how does the lawyer charge fees? One of the most important considerations when deciding on a lawyer is the cost of the lawyer’s services. Attorney fees can be very expensive and can add up quickly in long and complex legal matters. Depending on your type of legal issue, a lawyer may charge a flat fee, a prepaid retainer fee from which future billing is taken, a flat hourly rate, or a contingency fee which is when the lawyer is paid. a percentage of what you will recover from your case. With a contingency fee, if you do not recover anything, the attorney does not receive a fee. Keep in mind that even if you do not recover, you would still be responsible for costs other than attorneys’ fees, such as court costs or other costs associated with your legal problem.

Expertise. Does the attorney you are considering focus his practice in the area of ​​law he is seeking? Lawyers may advertise that they work in certain areas of the law, but they may not have worked on many cases in that specific area of ​​the law. For example, if you are considering hiring a lawyer to handle a car accident case for you, ask how many other car accident cases they have handled. Ask how many of those cases were decided in favor of the lawyer’s client. You may know an attorney who has been in practice for decades who advertises that he or she works on wills and probate matters, as well as personal injury. But find out how many wills they’ve written. Do you just dabble in that area from time to time or is it a true area of ​​your practice? Most lawyers have a couple of areas that they focus their practice on. They may, from time to time, handle a legal matter outside of those areas. So make sure you get someone who knows the area of ​​law and is up to date with the most current laws.

Appeals. If you are looking for a lawyer for any legal matter involving a court proceeding, there is always the possibility of an appeal. Find out about the likelihood of appeal in your particular matter. Ask if this lawyer handles appeals like not all lawyers do. If the attorney handles appeals, ask about the different costs associated with an appeal. Ask about the timeline for an appeal. If you are looking for a lawyer to handle a legal matter that could potentially be brought up on appeal, it is better to have that same person work on the case from start to finish than to have a new lawyer take over in the middle. These initial considerations will save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

When you choose a lawyer, you are making an investment, not only financial, but also an investment of your time. You must be well informed and use all available resources when making this important decision.