Facing a pending suit or preparing one as the result of something that has happened requires aid from a legal professional. With so many lawyers in town, choosing the one that is best suited for the situation may seem difficult. In fact, all it takes is employing three basic strategies to identify lawyers who can provide the type of support the client wants and gradually narrow the field to the right choice.
Understanding the Scope of Practice
What type of suit is pending? This is important since many law firms focus attention on practicing certain fields of law. Take the time to determine what sort of case is involved and it will be easier to focus on firms that include that type of case in the scope of their practices.
For example, does the matter have to do with a slip and fall accident? If so, the client will want to engage a personal injury lawyer. Maybe the case has to do with the wrongful death of a loved one. A lawyer who includes wrongful death cases in the scope of practice would be the best fit.
Contacting the Local Bar Association
After understanding what area of practice is involved, contacting the local Bar Association is a smart move. The association will have a listing of every legal professional in the local area. Many associations provide the opportunity to sort their members based on the type of legal services offered and offer recommendations based on that scope of practice. This makes it easier to find out how many lawyers in the local area take on the personal injury or another type of case that the individual is facing.
Keep in mind that the team at the local bar association will not promote the services of one member over the other. The staff is happy to provide information about lawyers who practice specific types of law but that’s the extent of the support. It is still up to the individual to evaluate each of those lawyers and decide who to consult.
Researching the Candidates
Before calling any lawyer and arranging a consultation, visit the firm’s website and read the information provided. Does the firm provide free consultations? Is there any information about fees or payment plan options? Understanding what type of financial commitment is made on the front end will help narrow the range of choices. Firms like Clearfield & Kofsky will consult with you for free and give you the information you need to make an informed decision up front. Anyone withholding information is not someone you want representing you.
Take the time to use other online resources to find out more about any lawyer on the list. Check customer review sites and read any comments offered about the quality of the representation provided. This can help the individual identify a lawyer who tends to communicate well with clients and has a record for securing judgments in favor of their clients.
Take the time to weigh all options before settling on the legal counsel for that pending suit. Doing so will make dealing with the situation a little easier.