If someone is searching for a lawyer, they are going to find plenty of options, regardless of where they live. In fact, the U.S. makes up five percent of the population of the world, and about 70% of the world’s lawyers. Today, the U.S. boasts having one lawyer for every 200 citizens.
With so many attorneys practicing law in the U.S., including the team at the Kania Law Office, it can be confusing and challenging to find the right attorney for a person’s needs and situation. While this is true, there are a few tips that may prove beneficial.
Keep in mind, wide variations are present regarding a lawyer’s abilities, skill level, and history in the courtroom. This is why word of mouth and personal recommendations are a great way to begin this search. Some other tips to help with this search can be found here.
The Nature of the Legal Problem
The nature of a person’s legal situation is going to determine the type of lawyer they should hire. Usually, attorneys are going to concentrate their area of practice in a few specialties, including civil litigation, bankruptcy, personal injury law, employment law, family law, and criminal law. Because of this, it is up to an individual to find the attorney that has the skills and background that is right for their needs.
Referrals and Word of Mouth
Seeking referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from family members, friends, business associates, and neighbors is a smart way to begin the search for a local attorney. These people have no true vested interest in who they recommend. Also, if they have personal experience with the attorney, they will be able to communicate any problems or positives that they had during their interactions with a certain attorney or law firm. Even though it may be tempting to hire a friend or relative who is a lawyer for the situation, this may not be the most effective strategy. For example, if that person does not work in the area of law that the case resides in, they may not have the skills or abilities to handle the legal issue in question.
Local Bar Associations
Don’t stop with just personal recommendations. Another resource that can be used to find the right lawyer for a person’s legal situation is by using the information provided by the local bar association. Most city and county bar associations will provide lawyer referral services to people in the public, which means they may not screen for actual qualifications. However, with the American Bar Association, there is a database that provides assistance for those who need legal help.
Ask Other Lawyers
In some cases, one lawyer can recommend another lawyer in the local area who can provide help with a specific legal need. Most legal circles are small and lawyers in a local area know one another. As a result, they can be a great source of advice and provide recommendations based on personal knowledge and past dealings. Also, attorneys are aware of other lawyer’s reputations in a certain field. Remember, though, some lawyers will receive a referral fee if they recommend a case to a different lawyer. In some situations, this may influence who they recommend.
