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Finding the right lawyer for your situation can add stress to an already stressful situation.  It can be extremely difficult to sift through all the conflicting information and make a knowledgeable decision when choosing your lawyer.  They are literally thousands of lawyers available, so this can be a trying task.

The first step in finding a lawyer is choosing one that meets your specifications.  You would not want to hire a real estate lawyer if you were facing criminal charges.  Conversely, you would not want a corporate lawyer to help you with a personal injury case.   Once you decide what type of lawyer you need, then there are a few methods that you can use to find your lawyer.


You may want to begin by asking your friends, relatives, and coworkers for personal recommendations.  If they do have any recommendations, then there are other outlets available to you, such as lawyer referral services, the Internet, and yellow pages.  However, before contacting any potential lawyer, be sure to check his or her credentials.  Check with the bar association, visit their website, and check out anything else that may help you make up your mind.


Of all your avenues in finding a lawyer, your family and friends probably would be the most dependable.  With so many issues to deal with in today’s society, there is a decent possibility that someone you are close to has had to deal with the legal system.  You may even have friends who have attended law school and can help make your choice easier.

Your co-workers may also be a good bet when you are trying to find a lawyer to represent you.  And since many businesses deal with legal issues on any given day, your supervisor or boss may be able to point you in the right direction when you are searching for a lawyer.  Most will be able to tell you how they found their lawyer, their experiences, and recommendations.


If you attend church regularly and are an active member, you may be friendly with many of your fellow members.  Your fellow church members most likely come from all walks of life and a multitude of career backgrounds.  There is a good chance that someone in your congregation has a background in law or may be able to point you in the right direction.


You may also choose to use a lawyer referral service to help you find a lawyer.  Such a company allows lawyers to register and include information concerning their services and fees.  You can search through the referral service’s database and find an attorney to suit your needs for a small fee.  However, be sure to screen your choices.


Of course, there is also the Internet, which is a pretty good place for finding more information about lawyers you may be interested in, since most law firms now have websites.  Also, the yellow pages in your phone book should not be overlooked.  The yellow pages include numerous ads detailing the type of services lawyers perform as well as the area of law.


Once you have chosen your lawyer, you will need to contact the firm to set up an appointment.  Be sure to find out if you are being charged for this initial consultation, and if so, how much.  It is advisable to know this information beforehand.


When you meet your lawyer, you should have a few questions prepared for your initial meeting.  You will want to know what fees are charged and is there are extra charges for items such as phone calls.  You will also want to know where he or she attended law school and when he or she passed the bar.  It is an extremely good idea to ask about your potential lawyer’s track record in court.  After all, you want someone who will help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.


You may think of more questions that are pertinent to your situation.  These are only meant to be a starting point for helping you to decide on a lawyer.  You should always prepare a list of questions and pertinent information to take with you to help make your decision easier.


Once you decide upon your lawyer, your next concern may be the fees.  You should definitely communicate with your lawyer concerning fees so that there are no misunderstandings.  The average lawyer may allocate 50% of his or her fees for overhead and this is taken into consideration when setting fees for services.


Lawyers usually will charge you an hourly rate, a flat rate, or a contingency rate.  Hourly rates are assessed based upon the amount of time spent working on a particular case.  With a flat rate, the lawyer approximates how much work will be required for the case and sets his or her fee accordingly.   A contingency rate is based upon a reward or settlement that the client is expected to receive from the case.  Contingency fees are normally around one fourth to one third of the amount rewarded.  Occasionally, fees charged may be a combination of the above fee categories, depending on the type of case.


You should always request a written contract once the fee type for your particular case is determined.  The lawyer will then prepare the document detailing the terms of your contract.  Such a contract helps you to avoid misunderstandings when the bill is due.


If you keep all of these things in mind, then you should have no problem finding and choosing a lawyer that suits your needs.