Lawsuit Anatomy: Choosing an Attorney

This post series aims to give current and potential clients information to help them understand the various stages of a personal injury lawsuit. For many of us, hiring an attorney means that a tragic event has occurred in our lives. Whether it be a car wreck, a divorce, or a death in the family, there will be occasions in your life when you need the assistance of an attorney. This can be a very stressful time, dealing with emotional and physical injuries, while also trying to understand what the heck your attorney is saying!

No matter the facts of your case, the first step in the process is to choose an attorney, and there are plenty to choose from. Many clients turn to Google, or a friend’s recommendation, or simply call up the attorney they used many years ago. These methods may lead you to hire a good attorney, however, there are additional qualities to look for in your attorney (and their law firm) that will help ensure you are hiring the best legal representation for your case.

When researching any potential attorney, scour their website for additional expertise such as:

• Have they taught any classes or seminars in their field?
• Do they belong to any specific organization in their field?
• Are they nationally recognized by peers for their work in the field?
• Have they been published on a topic in their field?

Beyond the legal expertise, look for character traits that align with your own such as:

• Does the firm and its employees volunteer in the community?
• Does the firm assist local charity organizations?
• Do any members of the law firm have a passion that you also share?

Finally, look at the firm structure. Is there a specific person designated to client services; will you be able to speak directly with your attorney? What is their track record for winning, have they been successful in litigating cases like yours?

Remember, the relationship you form with this law firm could last a few months or a few years, and may require you to divulge very personal information to bring your case to a conclusion. The choice of hiring an attorney is an important one.Be sure to fully research both the attorney and the law firm before you make any decisions. Have a legal question about your case? Call our offices, one of our attorneys will be glad to speak with you.