7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

Hiring an attorney can be difficult, especially when more than 100 million people can’t afford legal help. 

Whether you’re innocent or guilty, an attorney can help you navigate legal issues. There are too many regulations and practices in the legal system to handle your case on your own. Looking for an experienced attorney near me will help you get past a tough situation. 

Read below to discover the most essential factors when it comes to hiring an attorney! 

1. What Do You Specialize In? 

One of the first questions you should ask when hiring an attorney is what their specialty is. 

Depending on the legal degree the lawyers get, they can only help with certain situations. For example, real estate lawyers don’t have the same experience in law as divorce lawyers. If you want a motorcycle accident lawyer, make sure they know your situation.

Many people make the mistake of hiring a friend or someone else they know. Although you may get a deal, you don’t want to hire someone inexperienced. 

If you have any concerns about their specializations, make sure to discuss them before they start billing you. 

2. How Do You Charge Clients?

Lawyers often charge their clients one of two ways: a standard fixed rate or an hourly rate.  

Do not sign any contracts until you know how much you will be charged. You should know the exact amount, accepted forms of payment, or the payment timeline. Hourly payments can be costly, but if you have a cut-and-dry case, you can get away with saving money. 

Fortunately, most attorneys are willing to start payment plans if you’re on a tight budget. You can pay by cash, check, or through direct deposit. Some attorneys may even accept credit card payments. 

3. Where Did You Go to School? 

Harvard law degrees are impressive, but you don’t have to hire an ivy-league graduate to win your case.

Some of the best attorneys went to smaller universities or lesser-known institutions. Once you get the school name, you can verify your attorney’s background before sending the money. Unfortunately, there are people you may find online that don’t have the experience you need. 

During this conversation, you can ask about specialized training and knowledge that’s relevant to your case. Personal interests and training can make certain candidates more desirable than others. 

4. When Did You Start Practicing Law?

If you want the best attorney, you need to know how long your potential candidates have been working. 

Hiring someone fresh out of college could save you money, but they may not help as much. An attorney that’s been practicing for many years should have strong connections. Look for an attorney with plenty of experience so you can trust how they handle your case. 

Some attorneys may have more legal experience than you realize. Internships and entry-level jobs expose people to policies long before they start practicing. Whatever you can learn about their education and experience will be beneficial. 

Veteran attorneys know how to handle difficult cases with confidence, especially in the courtroom. 

5. What Types of Clients Do You Normally Work With?

The types of clients your attorneys work with can show a few things.

If they primarily work with people who can’t afford legal services, you can expect to get a reasonable deal. Attorneys working with high-income individuals may be out of your price range. 

When attorneys discuss their standard clients, pay attention to the legal situation. If none of this seems to correlate with yours, consider other options. Understanding their normal clients can also help you discover if they are well-known in the community.

While researching your attorneys, look at online reviews to learn more about their common clients. 

6. Who Will Represent Me?

When you hire an attorney, you may not be working solely with them. 

Paralegals and assistants often help with cases, so you should know which ones will be working on your case. Although they can’t give legal guidance, they can point you in the right direction and offer resources. 

If several attorneys work at the same firm, there’s a chance you could be working with more than one of them. Make sure you clarify who your point of contact is so you can get your questions answered. 

Smaller legal firms will involve fewer people, which can be a good thing if your case has many moving parts. 

7. What Will Likely Happen with My Case? 

Attorneys can’t predict the future, but they typically have a good idea of how the case will go.

After you give them the necessary details and evidence, they can tell you the most likely outcome. If they don’t think you have a winning chance, it may be too early to start worrying. You should try to look for an attorney that is realistic, but also confident in handling your case. 

You must compare all your options if you don’t think they are motivated enough. Talking and meeting with your candidates will help you decide the most suitable choice. 

Are You Hiring an Attorney That Will Help?

When it comes to hiring an attorney, you need to compare your options and understand your needs. 

If you have a unique case, you want to ensure you hire someone that has handled similar cases before. When you meet attorneys that aren’t confident with your results, it doesn’t hurt to consider other lawyers. Don’t wait to ask these questions, especially if you are already paying them to help. 

Make sure you check out our page for more content on how to handle legal issues and hire an attorney! 

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