HOW TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY

by Joelle Steele

For most simple legal matters, you can probably handle everything yourself. But, at some time in your life, you are probably going to need a good lawyer. You might get divorced, be seriously injured in an accident, incorporate a business, or require a living trust. All excellent reasons to hire an attorney.

How do you decide who to hire? You can begin by asking around. For example, if you have a good friend or relative who has recently had their estate planning handled by an attorney that they liked and found affordable, start with their lawyer. Visit his/her Web site and get a feel for how they work and what their basic philosophy is. Remember, a referral to someone else's attorney does not necessarily guarantee that their attorney will be the right one for you.

If you don't have any referrals, visit the Yellow Pages of your phone book and online. Attorneys generally specialize, so find the ones in your area that handle the kind of legal work you need and read their Web sites. Be sure that they are accessible to you by phone and by E-mail. Some law firms only have a form for contact on their Web site, and that's a good sign that they aren't really all that interested in new business and may not be available when you need them. Look for E-mail links and phone numbers so that you can make contact with them directly.

When you first talk to an attorney, have a list of questions ready to find out if you want to hire them. For example, ask them how long they have been practicing law in your state, what their turnaround time would be to prepare your Will and Trust, and all of the costs involved in doing so. If you are a business and want to incorporate, you should also ask them what experience they have with your kind of business (e.g., restaurant, retail, plumber, auto repair, etc.). It is important that they know the ins and outs of your industry in order to provide you with the best legal advice.

A few don'ts: Don't ever let an attorney intimidate you. They are supposed to be on your side, to help you, to be your advocate. If they don't answer your questions or follow your instructions or explain things clearly, or if you feel like you can't trust them or like you don't speak the same language, do not hesitate to hire someone else. Don't expect one attorney to be able to handle all your legal needs now or in the future. Some law firms are big enough to have many lawyers specializing in different legal areas, but others are just small businesses with a handful of attorneys specializing in one single area of law, such as family law, estate planning, personal injury, incorporation, civil rights, or labor law.

Take your time looking for a lawyer. You won't regret the extra effort it takes to find the attorney that's right for YOU.