This guest post is from Andraea Campbell.
Deciding to contact an attorney is a big decision. Most adults tend to be frightened or nervous about the idea of contacting a lawyer, especially if they have never done so before. How to get a lawyer isn’t something a lot of people talk about. For some, it seems a shameful or intimidating topic. Others might not think it makes polite conversation. The truth is, though, that there are many reasons to hire an attorney. If you need a will drawn up, you’ll need to talk with a lawyer. If you want to give someone a Power of Attorney so they can act on your behalf, you’ll need to talk with a lawyer. If you deal with rental properties and want legal advice on how to handle tenants, you’ll need to talk with a lawyer. There are many reasons to speak with a lawyer that do not involve crimes or criminal activity, but how do you know which attorney is right for you?
Friends and Family
When you decide to hire a lawyer, first ask your friends and relatives for any advice or recommendations. If there is a family friend who is an attorney or who has helped your family members recently, he may be able to offer you a decent and fair price for his services.
Look Online
In the world of the Internet there are several legal websites that you can check out. Browse each home page for information on the lawyer. You’ll be able to find what types of legal services the lawyer offers, what his practice focus is and sometimes you’ll even find out how long he has been practicing law.
Look through the website and read any personal testimonies. You can also do an Internet search for online reviews of the lawyer and what services they provide. Ask yourself if he sounds like someone you can trust. Do they sound informed? Does it seem like they are knowledgeable in the area of law you need help with?
Set up an Appointment
Once you’ve found a potential lawyer, give him a call to set up an appointment. Arrive promptly on time. Once you meet with a lawyer, you’ll need to ask yourself several questions in order to decide if he is the best candidate to help you with your problems.
Questions to Ask
- Did he answer all of my questions clearly and professionally?
- Did he make me feel better about my situation?
- Did the lawyer make me feel dumb or unimportant?
- Is he experienced in this area?
- Is his fee reasonable?
- Can I afford this attorney?
- Do I feel comfortable with my attorney?
Once you’ve had these questions answered, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not the attorney you met with is right for you and your personal situation. If not, move on to someone different who better suits you.
