Hiring a lawyer can be a lengthy process, and there are several different factors that you need to consider before you choose the right one.
If you want the best chances of winning your legal case, you shouldn’t rush your decision. Doing plenty of research is key to finding an expert that meets your needs and wants in every aspect.
So, how do you actually find the best lawyer for your case? Keep reading because we’ll cover the key characteristics and skills that make a lawyer great at what they do.
How Do You Know if a Lawyer is Great?
Whether you need a personal injury lawyer, a criminal defense attorney, or a legal professional for estate planning, you need to know what makes a lawyer great. When you know which factors and skills to look out for, you’ll find it quick and easy to hire the most suitable person for the job.
Here are some great ways to determine how great a lawyer is and whether they’re a good choice for you.
- Check their expertise
All trainee lawyers go through law school before they can practice as qualified lawyers. During law school, lawyers choose to specialize in a particular area of law, which is why there are many different types of lawyers. They also develop unique skills depending on where they have been on placements.
When you’re deciding if a lawyer is a good choice for you, consider their expertise and specialist knowledge. For example, if you’ve sustained a nasty injury at work because your employer failed to follow health and safety regulations, you’ll need one of the Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers Phoenix or your nearby area.
- Consider their local knowledge
You should also consider their local knowledge. Hiring somebody with local knowledge increases your chances of winning in a court of law. Local lawyers have knowledge about specific state laws that a more distant legal professional might be unaware of.
They may also have strong relationships with judges, jurors, and other lawyers, which can be helpful in a legal battle. Plus, when your lawyer is only down the road, it will be much easier to arrange face-to-face consultations with them. You won’t need to travel hundreds of miles for updates on your case!
- Check their qualifications and licenses
Every lawyer must have the required qualifications and adequate licensing to practice. Without these things, they’re not legally allowed to work as a lawyer.
One of the very first things that you should check when you are considering hiring a lawyer is their qualifications. Do they have their law school certificate on display in their office? Do they list their qualifications on their website? Are they happy to provide you with proof if you ask for it?
You must also check that a lawyer has a valid license to practice in your state. Most jurisdictions state that to practice as a lawyer, the individual must have completed an undergraduate degree at law school and gained a Juris Doctor (JD) diploma. They must also have passed the state’s bar examination.
Once qualified, lawyers in the United States need to practice ongoing professional development. They are required to undertake yearly training to keep their legal knowledge up-to-date and accurate.
You can ask a lawyer to explain their qualifications and licenses if you’re unsure. Any great lawyer will be more than happy to share this information to help you make an informed decision.
- Determine how they like to work
Different lawyers work in different ways. Their communication styles and preferences will vary, and their processes of working on similar cases are unique.
This is why it’s so important to do plenty of research to find the right lawyer. You’ll want to be sure that you hire a professional that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
They should communicate the details of your legal case in layman’s terms, so you understand everything. They should also offer a form of communication that works for you, whether it’s in person or over the phone.
You might not be able to gather very much information about the way a lawyer works until you’ve had an initial consultation with them. Often, it’s only after a lengthy conversation that you can determine whether you’re going to click with a lawyer. Arrange initial consultations with a few different lawyers so you can make an informed decision.
