Whether you have a criminal case pending or you need help with an employment tribunal, finding the right lawyer for you is important. You need to find someone that will suit your budget while also be able to help you win your case – and then in most cases the other side will pay your fees. This requires experience, great knowledge and skill and a firm with an excellent reputation.
Choosing Between the Firms
A large prestigious firm does not mean that they will be able to help you. They may not handle cases like you, you may not be able to afford their bills or they may not have the staff with the right level of experience. Sometimes, opting for a smaller firm is a better option. Take your time to research each of the firms in your area and find out more about them – including the lawyers that work there, the winning rate and whether they have handled similar cases to yours.
The majority of firms will offer a free consultation for an hour. This is an excellent chance to see if a firm will be able to handle your case, help you win it and wan the best for you. It also helps to make sure that there will be no conflict of interest – should the same firm be working with the opposite party.
Sticking with One Lawyer
A downside of many large firms is that you are never with one particular lawyer. You may find yourself passed between people. In some cases, this can work out advantageous. The idea is that the firm can find the right person to suit your needs and someone who has experience in winning your cases. However, this can also backfire as your case may be deemed trivial and you are passed to an associate.
Talk to the firm about how your case will be handled and whether you will be passed on to someone else. You want to make your decision armed with all the details. Ask for all the information in writing – they know that this is the best protection you have from someone changing their mind. Switching between lawyers is less likely to happen in smaller firms where there are a limited amount of lawyers working there but you may still find yourself passed to an associate, depending on the detail of your case.
Find an Expert in Your Area
If you have a detailed case, you need to find a lawyer who is an expert in that area. Most lawyers will specialize in particular areas; some will choose finance while another may choose criminal defense. Think about the needs for your case and find out if the firms have anyone can help you. This will increase the chance of winning but it will usually mean that you have to pay extra so make sure it fits into your budget.
If you have a complicated case that covers numerous areas, you may find it better to hire a larger firm. They are more likely to have people who are experts in every area. Another option is to hire a firm that works with others or calls in experts to help out.
Choosing a law firm is important. You will need to find someone who will be able to win your case and has the knowledge and determination to succeed. A large firm may look like an excellent prospect but you could save money and increase your chances of winning by hiring a smaller firm – while getting a friendlier response.
Author bio:
This guest post was written by Kevin Edward, a bankruptcy lawyer in Albuquerque. He has helped many people successfully file for bankruptcy and reduce their debts but encourages everyone to look around to choose between the options available.