Choosing a lawyer to have on retainer is like finding a needle in a haystack.
You want someone who gets you, gets your situation, and will go to bat for you whenever you need them. Yes, there are all kinds out there — like, say, Van Law Firm Lakewood — but once we have walked you through these eight tips for how to choose the best lawyer for you in Lakewood — you’ll nail it.
When it comes to the law, having the right partner can save time and a whole lot of money!
1. Understand Your Specific Needs
Start by thinking about what legal areas you’ll need help with now. Is this more about personal, business, or family concerns? Maybe you are looking to hire someone with expertise in a very specific niche area of law, such as real estate or even intellectual property. Clarifying your purpose helps you sort through the bad eggs faster than you can say “retainer agreement!”
2. Assess Their Experience
When it comes to the law, experience gets you peace of mind. A lawyer who has been down the same road you are on not only provides valuable insight but also helps you avoid mistakes. Don’t be a fool — check their background. How long have they been practicing law? What kinds of cases have they represented clients for in the past? Real stories from real clients can help. Years in the game matter here!
3. Seek Recommendations
Why try to reinvent the wheel? Ask for help from your pals. Nothing beats a recommendation based on experience and from someone you trust — like some friends or family. Or that work colleague who got a great settlement on a particularly difficult case! So don’t be shy — ask around. The odds are if they liked the lawyer and had a great experience, you probably will too!
4. Schedule Initial Consultations
Most lawyers will allow for an initial meeting (for little or no fee). This is your time to suss them out. Get a feel for their vibe, and ask yourselves these questions: Are they responsive? Answering your questions? Do they devote their attention to you? Ultimately, you’re looking for someone you’re comfortable speaking with. Someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your story.
5. Consider Their Availability
You don’t want to be left hanging! Make sure the attorney can dedicate the time and energy to your case. Are they part of a larger firm with additional resources at their disposal or a solo practitioner without backup? Are they extremely busy? Be certain that their clock works with yours.
6. Review Fee Structures
Of course, money matters! Understand the fee structure and any retainers up front. Some attorneys charge by the hour, some have flat fees, and some work from a retainer. Choose the one that works for you and your wallet without compromising on quality. And always remember, understanding the price of the ticket helps to avoid the shock of the bill.
7. Do They Have A Team Of Experts?
Now, depending on what you need a lawyer for, you might want a firm that has some experts on their side. Having this will always — and without a doubt — strengthen your case. This means checking if your prospective lawyer has some medical experts, investigators, and any other kind of expert that might suit your needs.
Say you have a fleet and one of your drivers might end up in an accident — you need to protect yourself and be able to fight the case. This means you would need a great lawyer, some medical experts (in case anyone got hurt), an investigator, plus a collision expert. With all this on your side, how can you lose?
8. Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, go with your intuition! At the end of the day and after following everything we told you, the most important factor is how you feel about the lawyer you’re thinking about. Trust your instincts, and if something is off, it’s alright to keep searching. The best lawyer for you will make you feel comfortable and confident that he/she will have your back.
The Perfect Lakewood Lawyer Match For You
Finding yourself a great lawyer to have on retainer in Lakewood really shouldn’t be that hard. Local Lakewood people looking for lawyers often end up with Van Law. This firm has a fantastic track record, and its employees are enthusiasts ready to work hard to get the best outcome for their clients. They help with many different types of practice areas, and their experience, combined with their determination to keep the client satisfied, makes them one of the best lawyers to have on retainer.
As a matter of fact, it is as simple as this handy dandy guide. Feeling stuck in analysis paralysis? Then, a place like the Van Law firm might just be a soft place to land!
