How to hire a lawyer: A step-by-step guide

According to the American Bar Association, there are more than 1.3M lawyers in the US. This makes finding one easy, but hiring one who fits your legal needs can be quite challenging. 

Whether facing a personal injury case, going through a divorce, or starting a business, finding the right lawyer is vital to achieving a successful outcome.

This guide aims to navigate the process of finding and selecting a lawyer, ensuring you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.

Starting your search

1. Seek recommendations

People generally tap their inner circles—friends, family, and business associates—when they need to hire a professional. 

Need a new roof? Aunt Carol knows a guy. Want a fresh pair of eyes on your tax return? Javi in Accounting loves his CPA and won’t stop talking about her. 

When it comes to attorneys, pretty much everyone knows at least one, so begin your search with the people you know and trust for quality referrals.

Just remember, each person’s situation is unique; a lawyer suitable for one person might not be the right choice for another.

Incognito mode

In cases where you want to keep your search private, like when you’re selling your small business, you can turn to the internet to find the right attorney. 

Attorneys pay a ton of money to advertise their services online, so the first ones you will see are the sponsored sites at the top of the search results page. 

Scroll a bit further down to find sites that end in “.gov,” “.edu,” or “.org.” State government, education, and nonprofit sites tend to provide the most impartial results.

Advertisements

Advertisements can be informative, offering insights into a lawyer’s areas of expertise and fee structures. However, it’s crucial to approach ads with skepticism, as they don’t always provide the complete picture of a lawyer’s capabilities or costs.

One common slogan used among law firms is “If we don’t win, you don’t pay.” These so-called “no-win, no-fee” lawyers sound great on the surface, but you may still be liable for costs.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions in full before hiring any attorney.

Local referral services 

Many communities offer referral services, often listed under “Lawyer Referral Service” in directories. These services can direct you to lawyers within your area, potentially matching your legal needs with their expertise. Checking with local bar associations for referrals based on specific legal fields is also beneficial.

2. Evaluating prospects

When considering a lawyer, it’s essential to ensure they are a match for your legal needs. 

Here are some factors to consider in your evaluation process.

Qualifications

Feeling comfortable and confident in your lawyer’s ability to handle your case is paramount. This includes their expertise, area of specialization, and previous case experience. 

While certifications in specialties (e.g., estate planning or elder law) indicate expertise, many competent lawyers may not have formal certifications but possess extensive experience in their practice areas.

Many states offer specialization programs certifying lawyers in specific areas of law. Some legal fields have their own certification programs, like the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils and the National Elder Law Foundation.

You might want to inquire about the types of cases your lawyer usually deals with. Understand the distribution of their practice (e.g., 50% personal injury, 25% divorce, and 25% other.) 

Practical considerations 

The location of the lawyer’s office (if you prefer a face-to-face meeting), fee structures, and the estimated duration of your case are also critical factors. Understanding the scope of services covered by the quoted fees can prevent surprises down the line.

Initial consultation questions

When meeting a lawyer for the first time, inquire about their experience with similar cases, their approach to cases like yours, and their expected timeline and fees. This conversation can provide a clearer picture of whether they’re the right fit for you.

3. Financial considerations

Legal services can be expensive, but there are options for those with limited financial resources.

Prepaid legal services plans

Your employer, credit union, and various other organizations might offer group legal plans that cover a range of issues at a reduced cost or for a small co-payment. It’s wise to ask whether these organizations offer these subsidized “legal insurance” plans.

These plans are modeled after group insurance plans, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with coverage limits and total out-of-pocket expenses before signing up to make sure you can afford them.

Low-cost legal help

For those in need, legal aid societies and clinics provide services at little to no cost based on eligibility criteria such as income, family size, and legal issues.

Additional resources

Government agencies and departments may offer free legal assistance in specific areas, such as consumer protection or employment discrimination. Local government law departments also provide public guidance on various legal issues.

Final word

Finding the right lawyer involves careful consideration of their expertise, experience, and how comfortable you feel with them handling your case. Leveraging recommendations, understanding the importance of practical considerations, and knowing where to find affordable legal services can guide you through this critical process. Always conduct thorough research and consultations before making your decision, ensuring that your legal representation is best suited to your needs.