Although online resources have given people the tools and knowledge they need
to solve many of their own legal issues, some legal situations require the
experience and education that only a real attorney can bring. Below, you will
find questions to consider when deciding whether you need to hire an attorney
for your specific legal issue.
Why Might I Need to Hire a Lawyer?
The legal process is extraordinarily complex, with federal and state laws,
administrative rules, and government agency regulations all affecting your legal
rights and responsibilities. Lawyers have years of education and training to
deal with these different aspects of the legal system. Without the proper
training, it is easy for the average person to miss an important deadline or
file the wrong document in court, which can significantly impair one's legal
rights. A lawyer can help ensure that your legal rights are always protected.
Additionally, seeking legal advice early in any law-related process can help you
save time and reduce costs by obtaining the information you need to know quickly
and accurately.
Why Might I Decide Not to Hire a Lawyer?
Despite the experience and knowledge that a lawyer can bring, some people
decide not to hire a lawyer for some situations. In some legal proceedings, such
as small
claims court, require parties to represent themselves, so lawyers are not
allowed. Additionally, many small disputes can be handled through alternative
dispute resolution (ADR) programs, such as mediation, in order to avoid the
expense and stress of hiring an attorney and going to court. Finally, a
government agency, such as your state's department of consumer affairs, may be
able to help resolve your legal dispute without taking it to the courtroom.
How Do I Find a Lawyer?
The most common way people find a lawyer is by asking trusted friends for
recommendations. Even if the lawyer your friend recommends cannot help with your
particular legal issue, that lawyer likely can refer you to another attorney who
can.
If recommendations do not lead you to a lawyer who can help with your issue,
online
directories can help you find numerous lawyers in your area who have
experience in your particular legal issue. Many state
bar associations also offer lawyer referral services that can connect you to
a qualified lawyer. Local nonprofit groups might also be able to provide
referrals.
Finally, some people find lawyers through the phonebook or from
advertisements. However, you should take extra care to review an attorney's
experience and education when selecting one this way, because simply having a
persuasive advertisement or a flashy yellow page listing does not necessarily
mean the lawyer is qualified or effective.
How Do I Choose the Right Lawyer?
Selecting the right lawyer from the many out there can be difficult. The most
important question to ask yourself is: "What
am I trying to accomplish by hiring a lawyer?" You need a lawyer who will
best help you achieve your goal, whether it's standing up for your rights during
a divorce proceeding, defending you against criminal allegations, or helping you
draft a will. A lawyer who does not have experience working toward your goal
probably is not the best fit for you.
Do not be afraid to "shop around" and compare many lawyers' skills and fee
rates. Every lawyer has a different skill set, and different lawyers may bring
different advantages to your side. You should determine which skills and what
experience are most important to achieving your goal and balance those with the
cost you can afford.
Finally, you should pick a lawyer you can work with. A lawyer may have
excellent experience, but if you cannot work with that attorney's personality,
the possibility of achieving your goal will suffer. Use your own intuition to
determine whether the lawyer you are considering will be a good match for
you.
Aren't Lawyers Expensive?
Lawyers, like all professionals, charge for their expertise. A lawyer's
fees depend on a lot of factors, and most lawyers offer a range of payment
plans to help you find a plan that will fit your budget.