(Prosperity - Laura E Kirkpatrick)There are roughly 7,886 lawyers listed in my local phone book. That leaves an infinite number of choices and very little direction to home in on the right one.
Finding the right lawyer for you doesn’t have to be a trial. To find ideal representation, 
you need to shop around a little, while also doing your research to make sure the deal is as sweet as it sounds. And well, you may need to start all over again. Because the lawyer who helped you close on the house of your dreams may not be the right person to help you settle the large inheritance from that great, great uncle in Tahiti you never knew you had. (Uh, but once it is settled, and if you’re interested in investing in a start up – we’re here for you!).
“It’s a matter of fiduciary duty.” states Lynnore Thames, an attorney and a member of our advisory board. “Make sure you find someone who will advocate effectively for you.” A fiduciary relationship is one where a person is ethically bound to act in a position of trust, good faith, candor and responsibility, on behalf of another.
Thames suggests interviewing a couple of possibilities – the right lawyer for you will be dictated by far more than the specific service you require. Your emotions and mental state as well as your personality will all help you decide on the right person to represent you. If you’re going through an amicable divorce, you don’t need a shark but you may need someone who will understand what a trying time this is for you, and look out for your best interest. Take the time to make sure whomever you decide to work with fits all the needs you bring to the table (and remember we all bring needs to the table, so that’s ok.)
“A good lawyer will show a little interest in you, even if it's just to ask if you were able to find the office, and will let you tell your story before jumping in to offer advice,” advises Laura Bradford, Professor of Law at George Mason University and a member of our advisory board.
In an email exchange, she suggests that you should expect courtesy and respect from any good lawyer. “ A good lawyer will not take non-urgent calls while you're in his/her office, will ask questions to be sure he/she has properly understood the facts and what result you really are looking for, and will ask catch-all questions to make sure they understand the four corners of the matter. They should also return your phone calls within a reasonable amount of time.”
Here’s how Thames suggests narrowing the choice from thousands to the right one:
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Word of mouth. Talk to people you trust and see if they have any recommendations. Even if you’re living in a city where you have no family or have yet to develop a close support network – don’t panic. You’re not alone. Your network is larger than you think. Talk to your co-workers, your bosses, the owners of your favorite local restaurant or boutique and especially your landlord, should you rent. Trust us, they probably know a couple of good lawyers (and can most likely tell you some to avoid too!).
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Then do your research.
- a. Martindale.com is a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in over 160 countries offered by Lexis Nexus.
- b. The American Bar Association as well as local state and city bar associations are all great resources. Before hiring a lawyer, check with any major bar association to see if there is a list of attorneys who have ethical or disciplinary issues.
- c. If you’re going to trial or think that your case may need to go to trial, make sure that the litigator you hire has trial experience. Some lawyers, though litigators, have only settled out of court. A bar association will be able to help you trace this.
If you find that the match is not good, you can fire your lawyer at will. But, cautions Thames, firing an attorney during the process could cause delays. You may need to start all over with the new lawyer, and this can affect any statutes or time limitations dictated by your situation.
If you are hampered by financial constraints, try your local bar association again. Bradford suggests contacting your City Bar Association’s Referral Service. While Bar Associations cannot recommend one lawyer over another, they may be able to recommend lawyers who do pro bono (for the good) work, or one time needs, like wills.
So remember your network and do your research. And who knows, maybe your friend’s step-cousin’s ex-girlfriend’s old brother is more than just the right litigator for you.
