How to Select an Attorney
Retaining an attorney to represent you in a legal matter is an important step in protecting your legal rights, but how you select an attorney is just as important.
How to Select an Attorney
Retaining an attorney to represent you in a legal matter is an important step in protecting your legal rights, but how you select an attorney is just as important. There are many factors to consider in making this choice, and no single one should dictate your decision. Here are some things to consider.
A personal referral is one of the best ways to learn whether the attorney you are considering will be a good fit for you. Often, there is no substitute for the experience of others with the same attorney. For over 50 years, our firm has grown almost exclusively on client referrals. We know that when our clients are satisfied, they will refer others to our practice.
Once you have identified an attorney who seems to be able to handle your needs, there is no better way to learn about him or her than through a discussion by telephone or in person. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the attorney and your specific matter to decide if retaining the attorney is a good choice for you.
As part of the initial discussion with an attorney, you should discuss the expected legal fees for your matter. Remember, the hourly fee that an attorney charges does not necessarily reflect how much you will pay in legal fees. Hourly fees are just that – hourly. An attorney who charges a lower hourly rate may bill far more hours than an attorney who charges at a higher rate. Our attorneys are experienced and bill only the hours necessary to represent you. Our billing is fair and accurate and any retainer fee we may request from you is based on a reasonable estimate of what is needed to move forward with your case. Fees are an important issue, but don’t let it alone determine your choice.
A good attorney will give you sound legal advice and not just tell you want you want to hear. We fully evaluate each matter, advise you about its strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide how to move forward. We understand that our advice can have significant economic and other impacts on you, so we take our role seriously.
Please contact us to discuss your legal needs and learn whether we can help you.
