Hiring an attorney can be an intimidating process. How do you know you’re getting the most for your money, and that you can trust your attorney? They are doing a very important job, so you want to be sure you find the best one for you.
Before hiring a personal attorney, there are some key things you need to know. We are here to help with this guide to 5 essential things to look for in an attorney. This can be a major investment, so make sure you’re hiring the best person for the job with these tips.
5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Personal Attorney
1. Reputation
Reputation isn’t everything, but a good first step when hiring an attorney is to look at what kind of reputation they have.
Depending on what previous interactions they’ve had with insurance companies and other key figures, they may be able to process your case more quickly and effectively. If they have a bad reputation in the community, that can slow the process down.
In short, an attorney with a good reputation puts you in a better situation as a client because your case will be better perceived overall.
2. Experience
An attorney with lots of experience with the right kind of claims is a huge benefit to your case.
For example, if you’re hiring a personal injury attorney, you want them to be experienced with personal injury claims. That way, they’ll know all the information that’s needed, where to find it, and how it applies to your case.
Each state has unique laws, so you’ll want an attorney who’s experienced not just with that kind of claim, but with that kind of claim in that area. For example, if you have a personal injury claim in Baton Rouge, you’ll want a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney who is familiar with both the type of claim and the area.
An inexperienced attorney is a risky choice – not worth your money.
3. Attentiveness
Your attorney needs to be completely focused on the case and attentive to what you need to win.
You shouldn’t just choose an attorney who seems nice or who was recommended to you. Choose one who is going to do the work it takes for your case. They need to be attentive, knowledgeable, and great negotiators.
4. Objectivity
It can be easy to tell when an attorney is only in it for the money. Do they seem to be rushing your case so they can get to the next client?
If they are looking to turn a profit, they won’t have an objective view of your case. You are looking to be compensated for injuries or damages. Make sure that getting you compensation is your lawyer’s first priority, too.
5. Communication Skills
Your lawyer should be professional, which means being communicative and available when you need them to be.
An attorney who is impossible to get ahold of doesn’t respond to calls in a timely manner, or who seems unprofessional in any other way is not worth your time. Make sure your attorney is willing and able to answer all of your questions about the case.
They should keep you regularly updated on the status of your case. If you suspect an attorney is hiding information from you or not giving you complete answers, they aren’t the right attorney for the job.
Conclusion
A little bit of research can go a long way toward choosing the right personal attorney.
Check their reputation, set up a meeting, and find out what you need to know before getting started. There are many good attorneys out there – make sure you get the right one for your case.