At one point or another in life, it’s likely you’ll need an attorney. Whether you’re starting a new business venture, filing a personal injury claim due to another’s negligence, getting a divorce, or filing for bankruptcy, you’ll to find an attorney to represent you, serve as your legal advocate, and help you navigate the court system.
While in many of the aforementioned cases, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit without legal representation, this is not advised. You can greatly increase your chances of filing a successful suit by finding an attorney. Though many people may assume that finding an attorney is difficult, you may be surprised to find that it’s actually easier and simpler than you may have initially thought.
Before you dive head first in the process of finding a lawyer, it’s important to first determine what kind of lawyer you’ll need. For example, not all lawyers for bankruptcy are created equal. Some may specialize in personal bankruptcy, while others may specialize in business bankruptcy.
In addition, you may feel much more relieved when choosing an attorney that was recommended to you by a family member, friend, or co-worker who was able to personally vouch for their experience and skills. While there are a number of advertisements for legal services, keep in mind that it’s common for many of the best lawyers and legal experts to do little to no advertising. In fact, many of them simply rely on word of mouth.
Your state’s bar association can prove to be an invaluable resource in terms of choosing a lawyer. Their database provides information in regards to the lawyer’s educational background, professional certifications and achievements, as well as success rates. You’ll also be able to see if any judgments or complaints have been filed against them.
As always, it’s equally important to voice your concerns and questions during your initial client interview.