If you need a lawyer for any reason it can be hard to know where to start. While friends and family can provide advice, lawyers specialize in many different areas. Finding the right lawyer for your specific needs through word of mouth alone can be challenging. That’s why it can be helpful to look online. If you know what to look for, searching online can go a long way in finding the perfect lawyer at a price that meets your budget.
What To Look For In A Good Lawyer
Finding a good lawyer can be difficult, but there are certain qualities and track records to watch out for that will make it clear if you have a keeper or a dud. To start with, you want a lawyer who specializes in the kind of law that your case involves. If a lawyer seems easily thrown off by your needs or if you get the impression that they do not fully understand your area, they are likely not the one.
You also want one who has experience—or is at least a very promising up-and-coming attorney. They should communicate clearly about their rates, timelines, expectations from you as a client, and their general outlook about your case.
A high-quality lawyer is not perfect, but he or she dedicates energy to your case, provides open, clear, and regular communication and offers helpful updates and ideas towards resolving your situation.¹
A good lawyer should demonstrate an enthusiastic, solutions-oriented approach. They should not take disagreements personally, and they should be a skilled negotiator and listen carefully to what you tell them. They should also have good references and a positive reputation in the community as a whole, and they should charge rates that don’t make your head explode.²
Warning Signs Of A Bad Lawyer
There’s no worse headache than that which can be caused by a bad lawyer. Unfortunately bad lawyers are hidden around many nooks and crannies of the legal world and if you aren’t careful you could end up tethered to an attorney who not only doesn’t know what he or she is talking about but strings you along on expenses, timeline and case resolution expectations.
Low-quality lawyers are defined by being undependable, dishonest, passive or unenthusiastic, entitled and—quite simply—awful at their job and lacking in knowledge or the desire to obtain knowledge about your legal needs. Look up online references and make sure to steer clear of lawyers with a bad reputation who are known to be shifty on prices, outcomes and dodgy in their legal knowledge.³ You can do better.
How To Research A Top-Notch Lawyer
The internet is the best starting place for finding a high quality lawyer in your area who won’t break the bank. Comparing references, areas of legal specialization and rates will give you a wide selection of choices to consider and can save a lot of time. Many lawyers will offer a free or low-cost initial consultation which will allow you to get a sense of their competence and personality. It’s wise to take advantage of these initial consultations before making any hiring decisions.
Make sure that any lawyer you go with is approved by the American Bar Association to practice law – the last thing you want is to hire a fraud. Whether you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer, a divorce lawyer, a family lawyer, a defense lawyer, an estate lawyer or any other specialty – there’s someone out there who can cater to your needs. A search will get you started with finding the support you need, and with careful research and analysis you’ll be well prepared to pick a quality and reputable attorney for your case.
[1] https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-choose-the-right-lawyer
[2] https://abovethelaw.com/2016/10/be-a-passionate-advocate-but-dont-take-anything-personally/
[3] https://morenoandassociates.com/blog/how-to-avoid-a-bad-lawyer/
