Looking for a Lawyer
Even though many people know that they need to talk to a lawyer, many people are not sure where to begin. A good place to begin your search for a lawyer is to figure out what kind of lawyer you need.
Once you know the kind of lawyer you are looking for, there are many different methods and ways to approach looking for one. Many people find it helpful to use more than one method of looking for a lawyer in order to be able to cross reference what you find out about a potential lawyer. It is also important to look for a lawyer in a way that works for you. What works for one person will not necessarily be the best way for someone else to look for a lawyer.
Common ways people have found success in finding a lawyer that works for them include but are not limited to:
Internet The internet is a great place to look for lawyers in your area. It is also a great place to read reviews from previous clients, to read about a lawyer’s background and experience, and to access ratings and reviews from peer and professional groups.
Legal Aid Many cities and counties across America have legal aid services that are not actual law firms. Many of these are run by non profit organizations and offer free or sliding scale legal services.
Trustworthy Friends and Family Depending on your network of friends, family, co-workers, and community leaders who are knowledgeable about the legal field or have had experience with finding legal help before, asking around is often a good way to get referrals for good lawyers in your area. Be careful though if your legal issue is of a sensitive nature. Without meaning to, even the kindest people with the best intents can accidentally give information to people who can make it detrimental to your claim or defense.
Beware of Internet Scams
There are many legal services on the internet that do not have real lawyers behind the scenes.
It is important to know up front that the person who is helping you is qualified to do the work they say they can do. As well, be sure to find out what their fees are and make sure that you understand exactly how much money the entire process you are hiring them for will take. It is a good idea to ask for them to itemize their charges plus any court, filing fees, fines, etc., you will have to pay out of pocket.
If you think or know you need a lawyer, do not hesitate to get in contact with a licensed lawyer. Many lawyers give free, initial consultations. Call a lawyer today.