Although the need for a lawyer is usually urgent, the decision of choice should never be taken lightly. In fact, your lawyer is the only person who will defend your interests, represent you in court, and accompany you throughout the proceedings in which you are involved.

From the first face-to-face contact until the completion of the process, the lawyer supports several legal and administrative services with various establishments in order to prepare your case and represent you. Changing lawyers or choosing a new one is usually not easy, so there are several things you should consider before choosing your lawyer.

8 Steps to choose your lawyer

1. Define your needs

Before you start looking for a lawyer in the Lawyers directory, you must first define your needs (budget, availability, etc.) and the required legal specialty depending on your situation ( criminal law, road law, family law, etc.). For example, there is a big difference between finding a lawyer to get specific legal advice and finding a law firm to outsource all of the legal services for your business. Identifying your needs and your budget is therefore the first step.

2. Take into account the area of specialization of the lawyer

There are many legal fields (family law, criminal law, real estate law, commercial law, public law, business law, etc.). This is why it is necessary to select the specialized lawyer whose training and the field of competence correspond best to your situation.

3. Consider the recommendations of your loved ones

Word of mouth remains one of the most effective marketing channels in all areas, especially in the legal field. If one of your relatives, friends, or colleagues recommends a lawyer to you because they have had a positive experience with that professional, you can ask them questions to obtain more information. In addition, personal recommendations are often more credible than online reviews.

Why don't you have to rely exclusively on word of mouth?

Not all lawyers are competent in all specialties. For example, the lawyer who defended your neighbor well for his dismissal does not necessarily have a command of criminal law. Also, if a friend recommends a law firm that defended their rights a few years ago, the lawyer who took charge of their case may have left the firm or he/she is currently overwhelmed. Word of mouth should be taken into account, but there are other factors to consider.

4. Find referenced and reputable lawyers

With the increasing use of online tools, more and more clients are looking for a lawyer on the internet from the Attorney directory. Online reviews are also important indicators. If necessary, you can ask your lawyer for file references in order to consult the quality of his work as well as his methodology. Prefer firms that provide you with the CVs of their lawyers. It is beneficial to know the training and professional experience of the lawyer who will defend your case. Do not hesitate to consult a lawyer you know to recommend a colleague who specializes in a certain branch of law.

5. Organize the first meeting

The first contact with your lawyer is very important since it will allow you to learn more about his skills and style of communication. The first impression is usually not misleading and will let you know if you are comfortable with this lawyer and if you can develop a good relationship of trust.

Here are some key questions to ask the lawyer when you first meet:

Can my problem be resolved out of court?

Is my cause defensible?

If so, which of my rights will you defend?

What is the estimated time to complete the procedure?

What are the expected fees?

What are the consequences of winning the legal case or not?

At the end of the conservation, don't forget to ask yourself the following questions before making your decision:

Are the lawyer's experience and background compatible with my legal needs?

Am I satisfied that he/she has the necessary skills and experience to manage my case?

Did he provide clear and relevant answers to my questions?

Do I feel comfortable with this person?

Do his fees suit me?

Is he a referenced lawyer?

7. Learn about the ethics of the profession

The legal profession is governed by a set of rules of ethics. Learning about these rules is very important before consulting a lawyer. This allows you to discover the rights and duties of your interlocutor as well as his professional responsibility.

8. Compare the fees of different lawyers

Although money is not the deciding factor in choosing a lawyer, before negotiating fees with your lawyer, do not hesitate to compare different rates offered by other professionals for the same service. Even if, during the first meeting, the lawyer is not able to specify his fees, you can ask him to give you a price range before starting the legal process and entrusting the case to him.

What factors do the fees of a lawyer vary?

Lawyers take several factors into account when setting their remuneration:

Notoriety and experience

The estimated time and effort involved

The complexity of the case

The importance of the case

The level of responsibility assumed

The provision of unusual services or the need for a particular skill

The fees provided for by the regulations

The fees that will be paid to a third party in relation to the mandate entrusted to it by the client

The outcome of the procedure

The client's financial situation for some lawyers

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