10 Ways To Identify The Right Lawyer

An ideal lawyer will not just have a string of impressive credentials or gold lettering on their door. He or she will be caring, concerned, and devoted to their work. You need to think carefully before laying your trust in a lawyer; after all, in some cases your life, future, money or property will be in their hands. 

Apart from doing extensive research to make a short list of possible lawyers you must ensure that there is not conflict of interest, that you understand everything the retainer agreement states, and that you have checked the references and details regarding the lawyer and the type of work they do. 

You will know the lawyer you have chosen is the right for you if: 

1. They make an effort to spend time to understand your case personally. They will not assign a legal assistant to take facts of the case down to report it to them later. 

2. From experience and knowledge they will know what is relevant and what is not. They will set aside and ignore irrelevant facts, opinions, and personal emotions that cloud the case on hand. Helping you focus on what matters in your case. 

3. They will insist that the groundwork for the case be done thoroughly. All facts must be checked for accuracy and solid arguments noted down with support from earlier rulings by the courts. 

4. The attorney will not just focus on the problem at hand but examine the problem from all sides. This will create a complete picture highlighting all factors of relevance and the different ways one can approach the case understanding its strengths and weaknesses. 

5. They will use foresight and anticipate arguments and strategies by the opposition or opinions of the jury or judge and plan way ahead. Like a master chess player, the lawyer will plan the case not by the day but by many hearings ahead. 

6. The right attorney will not waste time beating around the bush or create verbose statements using many words strung together which look impressive but mean nothing. They will insist that the case and its arguments be clearly stated. 

7. They will be self-disciplined, thorough, and self-confident; showing you courtesy at all times. That level of respect shown you will also extend to all the staff who work for the attorney. 

8. The lawyer should be recommended not just by their friends and relatives but by former clients who have worked with them in the past. 

9. They will not just present to you the victories but be open and candid to tell you why and how the attorney lost certain cases and how they learned from those experiences. 

10. The lawyer will lay the cards on the table and tell you clearly the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They will not claim that winning is guaranteed. The attorney will be honest and upfront about their opinions and advice. 

The bottom line is that the lawyer must be worthy of your trust. Use your inborn instincts and don’t go by the attorney that looks good. After all it is competence in law and in court that is what should be most important to you. Listen carefully to the what the lawyer says and how they say it. If you do, you’ll be able to tell whether they are the right attorney for you.