By: Kim Hemphry
About the Author:
Kim Hemphry is a passionate expert in the areas of Legal Matters, learning and education. She has been featured on over 50 leading Legal and education sites and is a modern thought leader in the field. More about her interests and articles on her site – http://kimhemphry.com/
When you need legal advice, it is always best to get a recommendation from someone you trust. However, even the most trustworthy person cannot be of good help when they do not know your legal needs. Choosing a trusted lawyer is not easy and can be quite difficult for novices. To find a trusted law firm, consider these ten tips.
1. Consider the Location of the Firm
It can be difficult to find if you are looking for a conveniently located firm. You should look for a lawyer who works at an office near your home. Most likely, you will have to pay more fees if the firm is located elsewhere. Also, the fee may be higher than that of a local firm.
2. Consider Their Background
You can find many lawyers who have passed bar exams and practiced for several years. However, other lawyers have fewer qualifications and have been practicing for a long time. You must choose a reliable lawyer who has worked in your position. You can also ask the lawyer how long they have been practicing law.
3. Reputation of the Firm
Ask for referrals and recommendations from friends, family members, and business associates who have previously used a certain legal service firm. This way, you will be able to know the reputation of the firm before choosing them. You may also search whether their online reviews are positive or negative. The reviews will give you a good idea of how they provided their services and how satisfied the clients were. You should avoid them if you are unsure what to expect from their services.
4. Their Price Range
You need to determine how much the firm charges for its legal services. Although the price may not indicate the quality of service you can expect, it can help you decide whether or not you can hire them. It is important to ask for their fee structure and not hesitate to consult with other lawyers who offer the same services at a lower cost.
Get different quotes from different lawyers in the same field. You may also want to talk to others who have used the lawyers for their services. Find out whether they are willing to speak about their experience with the firm or whether they prefer to keep it private.
5. Their Availability
You should find out the available schedule of the legal firm. Ask your lawyer how much time they can afford to help you. If they cannot provide you with enough time, they may not be helpful with your issue. You may also want to ask whether or not they will accept cases after certain hours of the day or on weekends because it is easier to meet your deadlines if you do not have to work late hours on a weekday.
6. Enquire About Their Registration and Licenses
It is best to check whether or not the firm has a license to practice law in the state where you live. It is also important that the lawyer’s license is not expired. The license will let you know if they can legally provide you with the needed services.
7. Their Flexibility
You need to determine whether or not they will be willing to accept your case even if they do not have enough time. You can ask your lawyer whether or not they can also accommodate you at a later time. However, you must keep your appointment so that the required time and effort are not wasted.
8. Their Expertise
The legal field is experienced with various legal scenarios, processes, and strategies. Therefore, it is important you get a lawyer who has sufficient experience and knowledge. Find out how many years the lawyer has been practicing law, their educational background and training, their awards, and information about their career history.
9. Client Service Provided by the Firm
Ensure that the firm has an ideal communication process and immediately addresses any concerns and issues. You should also find out the firm’s preferred forms of communication.
10. How the Lawyers Relate with Clients
A great firm will have respectful, honest, and approachable lawyers. The essential thing to consider is your comfortability with your lawyer. You should also know that you can discuss any concerns and doubts you have with them.
Conclusion
These tips will help you find a trusted firm to provide legal services that fit your needs and budget. However, it is still best to listen to the opinions of others who have been in the same situation as yours
