If you need to find an attorney, then you need to read this article first in order to avoid making a costly mistake. You need to learn where to get an attorney referral as well as attorney advertising to avoid.
A competent attorney is going to provide a certain level of client service and will discuss payment arrangements in advance. Before you visit that attorney you saw on television or in the phone book, you should take a minute to arm yourself with information that could potentially save your thousands of dollars.
Find An Attorney With A Referral From A Friend
Most clients do not know where to begin to look for an attorney. So, they contact the attorney with the most outrageous television commercials or the biggest yellow ad. This is often a mistake.
Instead, you should get a referral from a friend that has used an attorney for the type of legal issues that you face. You can also contact your family accountant, banker or even pastor to find an attorney you can trust. In every case, follow up on your referral by checking the attorney out on the internet. There are a number of lawyer rating services available online. But it doe not stop there. You also need to review the attorney’s commitment to client service.
Evaluate Your Attorney’s Commitment To Service
Most clients become dissatisfied with their attorney because the attorney fails to treat them with the respect that a paying client deserves. Specifically, the single biggest complaint is that the attorney fails to keep his client abreast of the status of the case. A competent and professional attorney will return phone calls and provide regular status reports in writing to his client.
In addition, a good attorney will be able to gather evidence, reports, medical records and witness statements in a timely and efficient manner. Once you understand what to expect in terms of client service, you can begin to think about how you are going to compensate your attorney for services rendered.
Discuss Attorney’s Fees Early On
The most important question that clients have when they try to find a lawyer is how they are going to pay for his services. This issue should be discussed very early in the attorney selection process. Depending on the type of case, the lawyer can charge a flat fee for simple matters, an hourly rate for other services.
Personal injury clients will likely be offered a contingency fee (or modified contingency fee) arrangement whereby no money will be required up front. Regardless of the type of fee arrangement, the fee contract should be in writing and signed by both parties.
Conduct Your Attorney Search With Confidence
Now that you know more about how to find an attorney, you can do so with confidence. Find a lawyer by way of referrals from trusted friends or professionals, not television or telephone advertisements. Demand that you attorney give you superior service and respect. Lastly, discuss your attorney fees early and get the agreement in writing. So, keep these key points in mind when you go out there and find an attorney that will serve you well.
