What You Should Know Before Searching for a Lawyer

Did you know that there are nearly 1.4 million licensed attorneys in the United States? When there is a law firm on every major street corner of your town, how do you know which lawyer is right for you?

Determine the Area of Law

In the medical profession, you can turn to a general practitioner for most of your health care needs. The legal profession does not have an equivalent to this; there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all lawyer. For example, if you want to file for divorce, you would turn to family law attorneys in Hernando County Florida. If you need help filing for bankruptcy after the divorce, that same family law lawyer will not be able to help you unless they also specialize in bankruptcy. Understanding what area of law your issue falls under will allow you to better focus your search for legal representation.

Ask For Recommendations

Start your search for a lawyer by seeking recommendations from trusted relatives, colleagues and friends. Talk to as many people as possible, and see if any lawyers are repeatedly mentioned. Start with those professionals first. However, do not make a decision about who to hire based solely on the recommendation of others. It is essential that you interview the lawyer first and make sure that he or she has the experience needed to help you with your case.

Beware of Advertisements

Many lawyers will state in their advertisements that they will handle a specific case for a set amount of money. Usually, that fee is on the lower end and is specifically for straightforward cases. Keep in mind that every case is different, so even if you think yours is simple, a lawyer may not. In other words, don’t assume that the lawyer’s advertised “low, low prices” will automatically apply to your case. You can typically avoid an unexpectedly high bill by requesting a projected cost breakdown before the work begins.