Most of us have watched enough television to know that not all lawyers are the same. If you are considering hiring a lawyer or seeking help from a law firm, you may be wondering how you can avoid unknowingly picking a lemon. What are the signs of a great law firm? How do you recognize a good law firm when you find one?
If you are considering hiring a personal injury attorney, you likely have a higher stress burden due to your injury. Finding a good law firm will allow you to move forward with conviction, shifting some of this burden onto the shoulders of skilled professionals. We have outlined 5 tips for choosing a good law firm that can help you choose with confidence Law tuition.
- No fee unless we win
Is “no fee unless we win” a legal gimmick? Do good law firms do business this way?
Absolutely. Look for a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there will be no costs unless the firm wins or settles the case and is compensated for you. You will then pay a percentage of that compensation to your legal team for their time and expertise.
At Tingey Injury Law Firm, our accident injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means we will not agree to take your case unless we have determined beforehand that it has merit. If our estimate is wrong and you do not win the case, you owe us nothing.
The confidence and experience necessary to identify cases with merit are signs of a good law firm. A less trustworthy law firm could mislead you and milk you for charges along the way.
- Think local
A local law firm will offer you the greatest advantages in a personal injury lawsuit. Lawyers who are at home in your region will have a firm knowledge of local laws and procedures. They will know the personalities of local judicial authorities and have experience navigating the nuances of the local system. They can visit the site of your injury and will be able to talk about the geographic context of your particular situation. Additionally, you will be able to meet with your attorney in person instead of simply communicating by phone and email.
A good local law firm doesn’t need to be within walking distance. For example, if you live in the Las Vegas area, a good local law firm could handle cases in Summerlin as competently as cases in Henderson . However, hiring a national law firm based in another city or even another state would not be to your advantage in a personal injury lawsuit.
- The 24 hour rule
Most legal processes take months or years. You want a legal team that will take the burden off you, not add to it, during this long and important process. A brilliant lawyer is not worth hiring if you are treated rudely, if the firm’s website is confusing, or if your questions are not answered in a way that makes sense to you. A good law firm will retain smart, experienced attorneys and ensure a well-run, client-focused office. You will be treated in a pleasant and supportive manner. Returning phone calls and emails within 24 hours is not only courteous, it’s professional. You want a law firm that is responsive to your inquiries and proactive in advancing your case.
- Free initial consultation
A good law firm will provide some type of initial consultation free of charge. The law firm uses this initial consultation to review your case and educate you about your options. You can use the initial consultation to decide if you trust the law firm and want to continue working with them.
Questions to ask when interviewing a law firm include how many cases like yours the firm has handled in recent years and how long you can wait before your case is resolved. Ask about the firm’s stance toward resolving cases out of court, also known as alternative dispute resolution, mediation or arbitration. Lawyers may have strong opinions about what types of out-of-court negotiations are most effective, but you should be hesitant to hire a lawyer who does not believe in alternative dispute resolution.
Lawyers and law firms have many different styles and approaches to clients. You should feel that your style, personality, and perspective reflect those of your attorney for a good fit. Additionally, a good law firm will be able to provide a list of past clients who are willing to act as references.
- Check qualifications
An online resource for evaluating a lawyer’s reputation is the Martindale-Hubbel rating. The website tracks individual attorneys and law firms as a whole. Reviews are created by other attorneys rather than clients. Other lawyers are not likely to be distracted or influenced by a fancy office or a flashy infomercial. Martindale-Hubbel ratings track both the professional efficiency and ethical standards of attorneys and their associated firms.
To see customer reviews, check out other popular online rating sites. You may see some negative reviews from unhappy customers, but if the overall trend is positive, this is a good indicator that you will also have a positive experience.
With these five tips in hand, you will be well on your way to finding the right and trustworthy legal team. Finding an experienced personal injury attorney will relieve you of unnecessary stress at a critical time. Taking the suggestions above will allow you to take the first steps in handing over your legal problems to trained and licensed professionals in the industry. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our accident attorneys or wrongful death attorneys.