The decision to find a lawyer is not one that you should take lightly cia address for cover letter. You want to make sure that they are qualified, trustworthy and have the knowledge to help you with your case. When it comes to attorneys, there is no shortage of choice but how do you know who’s right for you?
1. Ask for referrals.
A good attorney will always be happy to make a recommendation but a bad attorney will not want to steer you in the direction of someone else. It is important to check the professional references of an attorney before contacting them and asking them to file a suit on your behalf. It is also beneficial to talk with other clients who have already worked with them which can give you insight into their character as well as their ability.
2. Find out if there are complaints against this attorney’s firm.
Every state has different rules when it comes to handling complaints so it is important that you first ask if any have been filed against this particular firm and that they have been resolved in your favor or not.
3. Check the cost of a suit
If you are going to be hiring a lawyer, it is important to do your research and make sure that they are offering you a good deal. If they don’t then find someone else to represent you as they will not give you the best service you deserve and may end up costing more in the end.
4. Check that it is a real legal firm
When searching for an attorney, it is important to note that many lawyers use the services of so-called “paralegals” who do all of their work for them. The trouble with this is that if you go to court, you will face that paralegal instead of the lawyer that you thought would be representing you.
5. Don’t be pressured into making a decision
This applies mainly to struggling law firms who are looking to make a quick buck by taking on your case but do not have the resources or expertise to handle it correctly. They may try and pressure or persuade you into signing a contract with them even if they are not the right one for your case.
6. Consider calling a Cold Case consumer protection hotline
The state of Florida has set up an extensive network of consumer protection hotlines that are available to people in need of assistance. A person can call these numbers and find out what recovery options are available to them as well as the fees associated with them.
7. Remember, a lawyer is not your friend
You hire an attorney because they have the experience and knowledge to represent you properly in court so do not take their advice lightly. A person should pick the right one for their situation because any advice given to you by your attorney can come back and bite you later on when it’s too late.
8. Get a written agreement
When you hire an attorney, you should get a written agreement that explains all of your rights and obligations that are being taken on by the attorney. This will ensure that the relationship between both parties is clear and open and there are no grey areas when it comes to exactly what is expected to be done.
9. Don’t forget to check the credentials of your lawyer
It is important to make sure that they have passed their state bar exam as well as any other tests they had to undergo in order to practice law in your state. Many lawyers will provide this information in their portfolio so make sure you ask for it if they are not providing it directly.
10. Get advice on legal fees
Making sure that you are getting the best deal for your money is a very important part of finding the right lawyer for you. You do not want to end up paying too much money or not enough money when it is all over and done with. It’s important to get advice on fees and how to get the best deal for your case. If a lawyer says that they can make you money or represent you properly, these people either do not understand what they are doing or are corrupt.
11. Always make sure that you are paying a retainer
When dealing with a lawyer, you will always want to pay a retainer. If you do not, they will be busy looking for clients and financially strapped so they may not be able to give you the best service. A retainer of 30% of the total legal fees will secure their services but this should only be paid once it is confirmed that your case is indeed worth the money.
12. Always speak directly to your lawyer
Try and negotiate directly with your attorney as opposed to going through them or their staff. If you do this, they will have to make the decision on your behalf and that is something that you should never have to do.
13. Ask for a firm timeline
You want to know exactly when a suit will be filed and when it will be over. This way, you can plan around the time frame knowing that things are moving forward in a timely manner.
14. Always complain but don’t let them off the hook too easily
Do not always try and take everything lying down but also do not let them get away with anything either so if they come across as being too lenient or too harsh, speak up and air your grievances with them.
