How To Select the Best Attorney for Your Case

If you needed medical treatment for a serious illness or injury, would you assume that the first doctor you found online would give you the best care, or would you get several different opinions first? It might not be true in every circumstance, but an undesirable jury verdict could have as much of an impact on your life as a botched surgery. Here are some tips you can use for interviewing potential lawyers so you can find one that’s the right fit for you and your case:

Gather Your Case Information

Before you start making any calls, familiarize yourself again with the details of your situation. Gather all of the pertinent information and documentation and start a file that you can give your lawyer. For example, an attorney at a personal injury law firm Hillsborough County would likely need to see medical records, insurance statements and any accident reports.

Do an Initial Phone Screening

Interviews can take time, so narrow down your choices by asking a few screening questions over the telephone, such as:

• What is the attorney’s success rate?
• Does the attorney have experience with your type of case?
• What are the attorney’s fees?
• Is the initial consultation free?
• How many lawyers or legal professionals might work on your case?
• Can you get client references?
• Is the attorney willing to refer you to another firm better suited to your needs?

Write down the answers and compare them until you have several viable candidates.

Look for Honesty and Trust Your Instincts

When you meet each candidate for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask about their experience, specialized training, representation philosophy and what kind of result you might expect. An ideal lawyer generally will be honest with you, even if the outcome isn’t promising or if the best solution for your situation doesn’t involve the legal process at all. Trust your instincts; if you don’t feel that a lawyer or firm is a good fit, move on. Don’t limit yourself to the first attorney you meet, no matter how perfect it seems. After you interview a few others, you can always come back if you believe he or she is the right person for your case.

There are not many situations that require a lawyer’s help that aren’t unpleasant. Still, be diligent about the interview process, and you should be able to find an attorney who can help you get the best result possible for your particular case.

Danny White