Finding the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. It is important to establish a great rapport with your attorney from the onset of representation. Attorneys have a variety of styles, and it is imperative that you find one who is a good match for you. But with so many attorneys out there, how do you find the right one? Here’s your ultimate guide to finding YOUR perfect attorney:
- Determine Your Needs: The first step in finding the perfect attorney is understanding your needs. Are you looking for a general practitioner, or do you need someone who focuses in a specific practice area? Clarifying your needs will help narrow down your search.
- Research: Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to start researching attorneys. Look for reputable law firms in your area and check their websites to learn more about their practice areas, experience, and client testimonials. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals in your network. Most people feel more comfortable with an attorney that someone they know has used, or is at least connected to. It is also important to look at more than just one listing for the attorney. For example, if the attorney/law firm has great client testimonials on one review site and not another, then you will need to assess which ones are accurate. Unfortunately, people who often leave reviews are either incredibly satisfied or incredibly dissatisfied with the service and that may skew the views in one direction or the other. The same can be said for social media. Some attorneys will have fantastic reviews and others will have negative ones, but you should use common sense to do your own detective work and assess what is, and is not, likely accurate.
- Check Credentials: When evaluating potential attorneys, be sure to check their credentials. Look for attorneys who are licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction and who have experience handling cases similar to yours. You can verify an attorney’s credentials in Connecticut by looking them up on the judicial branch website.
- Consider Experience: Experience matters when it comes to legal matters. Look for attorneys who have a proven track record of success in handling cases like yours. A seasoned attorney will have the knowledge and experience to navigate your case effectively. An experienced attorney should have the ability to give you at least a loose “game plan” during your initial consultation. If the attorney can help create a roadmap for you, you will likely feel more comfortable on your journey.
- Evaluate Communication Style: Effective communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney communicates with you. Are they responsive to your questions and concerns? Do they explain complex legal concepts in a way that you can understand? Finding an attorney with a communication style that works for you is essential.
- Assess Compatibility: In addition to evaluating their legal skills, consider whether you feel comfortable working with the attorney on a personal level. Trust and compatibility are crucial in an attorney-client relationship, so make sure you feel confident in their abilities and comfortable discussing your case with them. It is also helpful if you and your attorney have the same “style.” For example, if you are generally a serious person, you may want an attorney who has a similar demeanor. Alternatively, if you cope with difficult situations by using humor, you may want an attorney who can help “lighten the mood” for you so that you feel more at ease.
- Discuss Fees: Before hiring an attorney, be sure to discuss their fee structure upfront. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others may work on a contingency fee basis or offer flat fees for certain services. Make sure you understand how much you’ll be charged and what services are included in the fee. In Connecticut, family law attorneys cannot charge contingency fees, so most family law attorneys offer refundable retainers. Sometimes, clients think that a flat fee is a more appealing option. However, the reason that Wolf & Shore Law Group uses refundable retainers is because this way both the client, and the attorney, have skin in game. The client will only be billed for the work actually done, and our office will only be paid for the work we did.
- Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing an attorney. If something doesn’t feel right or if you don’t feel confident in the attorney’s abilities, it’s okay to continue your search until you find the right fit.
Finding the perfect attorney may take some time and effort, but the investment is well worth it when it comes to protecting your legal rights and achieving a favorable outcome in your case. By following these steps and taking the time to research and evaluate potential attorneys, you can find the perfect legal representation for your needs. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you and help protect your future. Click here, call us at 203.745.315, or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
