Considerations When Choosing a Lawyer
Child Support and Equal Timesharing
May 10, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Support and 50/50 Timesharing
July 10, 2020
Choosing a lawyer is hard. It is difficult to sift through all the information thrown at you by billboards, advertisements, and the Internet. Below are the four C's you should consider when you select an attorney.
The Four Cs of Selecting a Lawyer
Comfort Level
Are you comfortable talking to this lawyer and disclosing personal information?
- If you don’t feel comfortable telling them private information, then they are probably not the attorney for you.
- You should feel like the attorney is engaged in your case and invested in helping you get it resolved.
- You are likely to have a lot of questions. An attorney may not be able to give an exact answer to all questions at an initial consultation, but they should be able to discuss the pros and cons of your case, how it will progress, the time frame, and likely resolution.
Credentials
What kind of experience does the attorney have in your type of case? Has the lawyer worked on other cases similar to yours?
- Not all attorneys are experienced in all types of cases. It is important to know if this attorney is able to help you with your specific case. Some attorneys specialize in certain types of cases like car wrecks injuries or divorces.
Cost
How are the lawyer's fees structured?
- Different types of cases are often billed differently. Some cases are billed hourly and may require a retainer. This is usually the case for criminal and family law cases. Personal injury cases are often billed by a contingent fee (a portion of the settlement).
- It is important to know how the attorney’s fees will be paid, when they are due, and if their fee is based on the success of your case.
Convenience
Is the lawyer's office conveniently located near you?
- You need to be sure that you are able to travel to the attorney's office when needed. It is also, good to know if you can communicate with the attorney or their office via electronic means, so you don’t have to drive in for all meetings.
Understanding the four C's above can help you choose an attorney that will be right for you. Doing your research can help you sift through all the available law firms and select the best one for you.
Choosing a lawyer is a serious decision. That can be the difference between success and failure in your case.
Choosing a lawyer is a serious decision. That can be the difference between success and failure in your case.
