Selecting the right attorney for your case can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly necessary. To start, you should come up with a list of potential candidates, talk to people who have been in a similar situation, referrals from business advisors, law firms, and online resources such as websites and online directories. The next thing to do is to narrow down the candidate pool based on your needs to a point where you can contact each of them and have short interviews with them. Here are some essential things to consider when selecting an attorney for your legal representation.
1. Reputation and Credentials
The law firm you decide to settle on must have an excellent reputation for representing cases and winning. It is crucial to perform a thorough background check on the law firm you intend to work with. Opt for a law firm that has lawyers with a high reputation and are highly qualified to handle your case.
2. Experience and success rates
After considering the reputation of a law firm, it is essential to look into their experience and success rates in similar cases to yours. Different law firms specialize in various areas of interest. It is, therefore, essential to go pick a lawyer that deals with what you need. For example, if you have a personal injury case, then you should consider a firm that focuses on such cases, such as Gorospe Law Group Personal Injury Law Firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While years of experience is good, it is also essential to consider the success rates of the law firm. Quality always beats quantity any day.
3. Accessibility
It is very frustrating when you want to get a hold of your attorney, and you can’t get through, especially once you have agreed on the engagement. You may find yourself in a situation where you have to continuously leave your message with the receptionist or another staff member to relay it to the attorney, and it may never get through to your lawyer. It can be especially irritating when the case in question is extremely time-sensitive. As much as it can be impossible to predict how any law firm will handle communication once you engage with them, you can try your best to gauge their communication levels before you make your decision.
When conducting interviews with different lawyers, take time to observe how easy it is to make an appointment, and if the attorney themselves makes sure they are directly accessible to you.
4. Cost
Different law firms charge differently for legal representation. Choose a law firm that is pocket friendly but also look at the specifics of your case. The more competent and qualified the law firm, the more expensive it is.
Bonus tip: establish a good relationship with your attorney of choice. Whenever you have concerns, you should be able to communicate with him/her and express them. It is always advisable to relay these communications via email. That way, there is a paper trail if things go sideways. If you find yourself in a situation where you have irreconcilable differences, then the lawyer should be professional enough to perform due diligence in handing over the case to another attorney of your choosing.