“A FINE BALANCE”
by Contributor
(Apr. 7, 2020) — Choosing a lawyer is an important decision, which in some cases, can change the direction of your life. There’s a lot of choice out there when it comes to lawyers, so it’s important to find the one that fits best with your needs.
So, what should you be looking for from your lawyer?
Here are 6 important tips for choosing the right lawyer. Take your time, do your research and make sure you’re getting this important decision right.
Honest About Fees
The last thing you want at this stressful time is to be hit with unexpected legal fees. Depending on your case, there are different ways you can pay for your legal representation and it’s a big help if your lawyer is very open and transparent about this.
Respectable lawyers will be very up front about their fees and this will help protect you throughout the proceedings.
Specialize in the Appropriate Area of Law
You want your lawyer to be a specialist in the area of law you require. If you’re making a personal injury claim, then you want a personal injury specialist as opposed to a divorce lawyer.
The law is wide-reaching and complex, so you need an expert in the area of law your case pertains to.
A Good Listener
Your case is important to you and it needs to be important to your lawyer too. This means they need to be a good listener and take the time to find out about you and the details of your case.
You don’t want somebody who rushes into big decisions without weighing up all the facts, so it’s good to find a lawyer who is a good listener.
Objective
Your lawyer’s job isn’t to be a shoulder to cry on, it’s to get your legal issues resolved with the best possible outcome. Sometimes this means asking uncomfortable questions and that’s why a good lawyer has to stay objective, rather than letting their emotions lead.
Of course, you still want customer service, but there are times where a lawyer has to put objectivity first and your feelings second.
Cautiously Optimistic
There’s a fine balance to strike here. You don’t want a lawyer telling you you’ve got no chance of winning, but at the same time, you don’t need a lawyer who promises you the world and can’t deliver.
Cautious optimism is an important facet of any lawyer, as they need to be able to keep your spirits up whilst still being realistic. Too far in either direction, and it can have negative consequences for your case.
Relationship
Hiring a lawyer is like any working relationship in this sense; if you feel uncomfortable with them, then it’s probably not going to work.
You’re going to have lots of interactions with this person, so it’s important that you feel comfortable working with them. If not, then everything is going to be that little bit more difficult.
You don’t need to be best buddies, but you’ve got to feel comfortable working with them.
