When searching for a lawyer, you may notice an overwhelming number of law firms to
select from. However, not all law businesses are created equal. Subsequently, how do
you assess from the enormous list of options who will be right for you and your legal
requirements?
There are several key points to consider when selecting a law firm:
Legal Experience: Find out how many years of experience the lawyer you’re
considering has under his or her belt. Practicing law is complicated and surely
improves after years of experience handling difficult cases. Take steps to find out
what type of law they are experienced with. It may turn out not to be the
specific field you’re dealing with and you need to keep looking.
Experience is often the best teacher; experienced lawyers and solicitors have learned from
their mistakes and how to avoid them in the future.
Legal Services: Just because a law firm is in a small community doesn’t mean
they don’t have expertise. In many cases, small town lawyers can possess more well-rounded experience in practicing law than in large firms serving a larger community.
Alternately, small communities may not support more specialized law practices;
therefore, general practice lawyers who practice in many areas of law may serve
your requirements.
Ask prospective solicitors what fields of law they are equipped to serve you in and which, if any,
professional memberships they belong. If they attend seminars and make other
professional contacts, it may enhance their ability to represent clients in a court
case.
Legal Reputation: Lawyers are judged by past clients, judges, and colleagues.
Ask friends and family members who’ve experienced similar circumstances for
recommendations. If the lawyer you’re interviewing doesn’t deal in your required
field, perhaps they have a recommendation. While it doesn’t hurt to check online
reviews, these aren’t always a reliable method of finding reputable lawyers.
Business Integrity: Believe it or not, there are honest, ethical, hard-working
lawyers out there. They work with the utmost integrity and dedication in
serving clients. A competent lawyer can negotiate tough cases with resilience,
passion, and honesty.
Compassion: You will often find out from a first impression whether a lawyer
views you as a means to an end or genuinely cares. Are they offering relevant
legal advice or asking relevant questions? During your interview, pay attention to
whether or not they ask effective questions that show they are listening to your
unique needs.
Budget: You can absolutely ask a lawyer for a quote beforehand, in addition to
how they bill clients. Also question if fees are inclusive of phone calls, shipping,
and filing. It pays to shop around to find a law office within your budget.
Finding the best legal consultation isn’t always easy. However, when you find the right
one, it can make resolving your legal issues much easier. Moreover, you need a
qualified lawyer you can trust.
With over 25 years of serving the Saanichton and Greater Victoria area, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that residents of this beautiful corner of Vancouver Island encounter every day. You can trust in the expertise and local knowledge of our team as we help you with whatever legal issues you need resolving.
The lawyers at Saanichton Law Group are here to help you in all of your corporate law needs, as well as employment agreements, power of attorney, real estate law, mortgages and estate law. Call us at (250) 544-0727 or email us at info@saanichtonlaw.com for more details on how we can assist you.
