It’s rarely a good feeling if you find yourself in need of an attorney unless you just won the lottery and want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before collecting your winnings. If you are lucky enough to be that person, then you will need a team of professionals, but otherwise, you will need to do some research to find the right advocate for you.
Determine What Type of Lawyer You Need
Finding someone who specializes in the type of representation you need is vital. You don’t want to use the person who helped you close to your house and serve you in a child custody case. And a Law & Order-type is over the top if you need to get out of a speeding ticket. There are dozens of specializations in law, so first, you will need to know the difference between them.
Research and Narrow Your List Down
First, ask friends and family for recommendations. After that, the internet is a good source of information. A simple search for “divorce attorneys near me” or “Civil Trial Lawyer Birmingham AL” should provide you with a comprehensive list. Be sure to check their standing with the Alabama Bar Association and then choose three or four to meet.
Interview Your Top Three Candidates
You will want to make sure you choose someone you are comfortable with, and one can afford. Ask about fixed fees, hourly rates for the lawyer and any paralegals, or if they will work on contingency (a fixed percentage of the settlement if you win). A reputable attorney will be upfront about all possible costs and give you a range of what to expect.
After you have interviewed your candidates, it’s time to choose your advocate. You can now make this decision knowing you took the time to research and find the right lawyer.