How Do I Choose a Lawyer?
“How do I choose a lawyer?” Is a question many people ask at some time in their life. It seems today that “going to court” for one reason or another is an everyday happening for a myriad of issues. In the United States crime rates are high, divorce rates hover near 50% and suing someone,or some organization has become the way to right a wrong, even a small one. So what things should a person consider if they need to hire a lawyer? The following suggestions will help:
1. First and foremost, check out several potential prospects in the area of your concerns. Criminal and Family lawyers are two of the most common categories along with Business (Corporate), Real Estate,Employment and Labor, Finance and Securities, Mergers and Acquisitions, Estate Planning, Tax, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Entertainment, Digital, Media & Internet, Immigration, and Legal Malpractice.
2. Once you have determined what type of lawyer you need, ask family and friends for a referral, and go online and check websites for several qualifying lawyers in your immediate area.A website will give you the lawyer’s background, areas of practice, awards, reviews by clients and peers, and whether the lawyer has his or her own practice of works for a group of lawyers. As you will likely be making several visits to the lawyer’s office, it is best to find someone nearby. Too, the lawyer needs to be able to represent clients in the county of your residence.
3. It is wise to pick lawyers who offer a free, initial, in-office consultation as you will then be able to ask questions, gain a feel for how comfortable you are with the lawyer as a person, learn their fees and costs, and most importantly find out how that particular lawyer would plan to represent you and your concerns.
4. Be sure to make a list of what questions you want to ask the lawyer and then take notes during your consultation. Questions you might ask could include:How long have you been in practice?;Do you handle many cases like mine?; What steps will you take to resolve my concerns?; What are your fees and costs and when do I pay them?; Do you have experience in settling cases out of court?; and how often will I be able to communicate with you?
5. When you have interviewed several lawyers, at least three, you need to make a list of the pros and cons of each one as well as a comparison list for such information as fees and costs, length of practice, steps to be taken toward resolution, and ease of communication.
6. At this point, you might also want to check if there has ever been any disciplinary action against each lawyer you are considering. Each state has an organization that monitors lawyers, their licenses, and any complaints from former clients. You can go online to research this information under researching lawyer discipline.
7. Review your gathered information, compare and contrast, and choose the lawyer best suited to you and your needed representation.
If you live in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, or Hillsborough County in Florida or New York or Washington DC and are needing to hire a lawyer for Family matters, Attorney Grant Gisondo who has been practicing Family Law for over 10 years offers a free, in office consultation. He will meet with you and answer your questions and share how he can represent you and your concerns. His office is in Palm Beach Gardens where you can call (561) 530-4568 for an appointment. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and, for new clients, Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.