Many people consider hiring an attorney when they face a legal issue or dilemma. Deciding on which attorney to hire can seem challenging and overwhelming as there are so many options out there and not much information on who to trust. If you have a legal problem, it is important that you seek out an attorney who can provide you with tailored and specialist advice.
A good attorney should have excellent communications skills, great judgment and analytical skills, perseverance, and the ability to understand your problem and find an appropriate solution.
When hiring an attorney, you should look out for the following characteristics and qualities:
1. Communication Skills
Attorneys need to be articulate and be able to communicate effectively. When we talk about communication this does not simply relate to being able to ask questions and provide replies. Good communication also includes active listening, responding appropriately, and tailoring the communication so that you understand what is being said.
In addition, good attorneys have excellent written skills and be advocates for their clients, and this includes preparing reasoned arguments on paper and in court settings. Your attorney should be able to hold their argument and be able to write persuasively, accurately, and concisely. They should also be able to understand opposing arguments and communicate complex legal situations in a way that clients can understand. Another thing to note is that once you have engaged your attorney, they should keep in touch with you, providing you with the relevant updates relating to your matter and remaining proactive.
2. Knowledge
Having the right knowledge is a key skill for any attorney as their clients will be looking for information and knowledge relating to their problems. If you hire an attorney from a reputable law firm, then you can rest assured that your attorney has the requisite knowledge and skills needed to help you. However, you should always ask your attorney questions about their knowledge and the information they have in relation to your legal dilemma.
3. Experience and Specialism
It is essential that your attorney has the relevant experience. This means that they can provide the specific advice you need about your particular case. Experience is crucial because often legal problems require in-depth knowledge and experience, and the complexities of the legal system mean that having an experienced attorney can often lead to more successful outcomes for clients. It is also important for any attorney you hire to have the right experience in your field or industry. This means that if you are undergoing a real estate-related issue, you should hire attorneys that specialize in real estate law. It is always a good idea to ask your attorney about their specific experience and how it relates to your legal issue.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
When you face a legal issue, hiring an attorney is a great way to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve. This could be in a family law matter, a criminal matter, or a matter involving action in court. Whatever area of law you need advice about, you want to ensure that your attorney has the right problem-solving skills. A good attorney will discuss your problem and identify the appropriate solutions available to you.
5. Judgment and Ability to Analyze
When you meet your attorney and explain the situation and the advice you need, your attorney should have the ability to analyze the problem and draw reasonable and logical conclusions. They should be able to analyze the information provided and use their judgment to discuss the case with you objectively and rationally.
Having an ability to analyze means that your attorney can judge the relative strengths and weaknesses of your case and report to you accurately and honestly. They should also be able to analyze the opposition’s case and make a judgment as to the strength of their case. Attorneys should have excellent analytical skills as their education and experience to date will have involved a great deal if information analysis. They are trained in analyzing and evaluating, but they are not always at giving you the advice you need. What you should avoid is any attorney who sits on the fence and is unable to provide you with some analysis about the relative strengths and weaknesses of your case.
6. Character
The character of any person you work with is of great importance if you want to build meaningful and successful collaborative relationships. When it comes to your attorney, you will want to make sure that the person you hire has an exemplary character and track record. Attorneys generally have a higher standard of professional conduct to maintain in accordance with their professional rules of practice. However, you should also rely on your own dealings with the attorney. Were they personable and professional when dealing with you? Do you feel comfortable discussing your personal matters with them? Do you feel you can approach them with your problems?
7. Availability
You might find an amazing attorney who has the right experience and knowledge to deal with your legal dilemma, but you may not realize that they do not have the capacity to deal with your file in a timely manner. Always ask questions of your attorney to ascertain whether they have sufficient time to dedicate to your case. Ask them about how often they will be in contact with you, and how best to contact them. Most reputable law firms and attorneys will respond to you promptly, but if they appear overworked or too busy then it may be best to find an attorney who has the time to deal with your matter.
8. Reputation
Client reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials are a great way of seeing if your attorney is respected in their field and has provided a good service. One of the best ways of checking the reputation of your attorney is to check out the firm they work for. If the firm is an established firm with a solid reputation for providing legal advice then you should feel
reassured that you will get good service. Also, if an attorney is recommended, it is an excellent testimonial of their skills.
9. Fees
It may seem obvious, but the discussion of fees is an important factor when deciding on an attorney. If you have a very complex case, you may find that you need a specialist attorney and their fees may be higher. A good attorney should be able to outline their fees and charge out rates in an honest and transparent manner at the outset of your dealings. They should also inform you about any flexible fees, payment options, and fixed-rate packages.
Hiring an attorney is important and requires you to do at least some due diligence. This may take time, but you wouldn’t just go out and buy the first car you see, instead you would ask the right questions, check the history of the vehicle, and give it a test drive. The same applies to choosing an attorney. Depending on your case, you could be dealing with your attorney for a long time, so you need to be sure that you can develop a trusting and honest relationship with them. Doing some preliminary research means that you can find the right attorney who will meet your needs, budget and timeframe. Hiring the right attorney will not only provide you with peace of mind but also reassurance that they will act in your best interests.
If you are looking for an attorney who can discuss your legal problems with you and provide you with bespoke solutions, then contact Lubliner Law’s lawyers today. Our dedicated team of attorneys has the expertise and skills to provide you with the best legal advice.
Call our experienced attorneys today on (561) 207-2018 for a free and confidential consultation. Alternatively, email us at info@lubliner-law.com.