When getting arrested, everyone has the right to an attorney, whether that be a public defender or a private attorney. While many have no choice but to go with a public defender, there are certainly a plethora of options out there for choosing a private lawyer. So, if you go this route here are some tips to helping you find the right one for you and your case.
Find someone who specializes in what you need them for
An estate planning lawyer is probably not going to be as helpful as a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases. Look for a lawyer with lots of experience in what you are being charged for and all the better if they also have experience in the district you are in as well.
Find a lawyer who fits with your personality
Just like in any social situation, not everybody is going to like and get along with everybody. If you don’t mesh well with the first lawyer you meet, that’s ok, you just need to keep going until you find the right lawyer for you. After all, you are putting your fate into their hands.
Make sure they have the time to make you a priority
Just like public defenders, many good lawyers can have very busy caseloads, but since you have the option to choose, it will definitely be of benefit to have a lawyer that has the time to really learn about your case and how they can help you. It may not be realistic to ask a lawyer to make you their first priority, but it certainly should be given that your case should be high on their list.
Be comfortable with what they charge
There is no denying that hiring a lawyer can be extremely expensive and those fees can add up quickly when being charged by the hour. Be upfront about what you have to spend and make sure they are transparent in their fee structure so you do not end up with any unpleasant surprises later down the line.
Look for a lawyer with resources
Depending on whether a lawyer comes from a large or small firm can really make a difference in terms of money spent, research done and how you will be treated as a client. When a lawyer comes from a large firm, most likely they will have a pretty significant caseload, but there will also be researchers and assistants that can get work done more efficiently which should save you some money. With a smaller firm, however, you will get more time and responsiveness from your lawyer but if they take more clients firm, you get more one-on-one time with your lawyer but they also probably do not have as much of a support network in terms of research or help when things become more hectic.
Overall, when looking for a lawyer, have a set of questions with you to ask so you can get a feeling and go with your instinct and knowledge you now have to make the right decision for you.
