Table Of Contents
- Key Things To Look For When Hiring A Lawyer
- 1. Long-Term Or Short-Term Need?
- 2. Field Of Law
- 3. Are They Well Regarded?
- 4. Location
- 5. Experience
- 6. Size Of The Firm
- 7. Cost And Billing
- 8. Compatibility
- 9. Availability
- 10. Communication Skills
- Finding An Appropriate Lawyer For You
- Don't Compromise. Select The Best Lawyer For You
Choosing the Right Attorney: Things to Look for When Hiring a Lawyer
Last Updated on: June 9th, 2025
Whether you are waging war in the courts, getting divorced, making plans for your estate, or attempting to glue Humpty Dumpty back together again following an automobile accident, selecting the best attorney possible is one of the most critical choices you will ever be required to make.
A competent and professional attorney not only can help you navigate through complex issues of law but can even make a difference in the outcome of your case.
But when there are thousands of attorneys practicing law in so many fields, how do you find the best one suited to your particular case?
This guide walks you through the most important things to look for when hiring a lawyer so that you are happy with your decision and receive the best possible legal guidance.
Key Things To Look For When Hiring A Lawyer
Before you ever decide on an attorney or law firm, pose yourself some questions and weigh up every one of the contenders against your requirements. Below are ten matters that you should take seriously when making your decision:
1. Long-Term Or Short-Term Need?
Determine whether you are going to need help for the short or long term.
- Short-term: You may require an attorney for a one-time matter of legal advice regarding the law, preparing a contract, or looking over a document.
- Long-term: If you’re opening a business, get sued all the time, or are settling estate issues, you can’t afford not to have an attorney retain.
Being aware of this ahead of time allows you to locate an attorney whose fee structure and availability work for you.
2. Field Of Law
Law is very specialized, and attorneys specialize in areas. Make sure you get one who specializes in the field of law that you want.
For instance:
- Personal injury: Car accidents, falls, medical negligence
- Family law: Divorce, child custody, adoption
- Criminal law: Defense of misdemeanors and felonies
- Business law: Contracts, intellectual property rights, corporate organization
- Estate law: Wills, trusts, probate
Employing a specialist over a generalist allows you to access a great wealth of knowledge and experience about your specific legal concern.
3. Are They Well Regarded?
Word of mouth prevails in building credibility within the legal community and previous clients.
Search for:
- Web testimonials and reviews
- Peer ratings on websites like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell
- Awards and accolades
- Word-of-mouth recommendations
Recommended lawyers generally have a past record of ethical behavior, successful case outcomes, and satisfied clients.
4. Location
The lawyer should be licensed to practice law in your province or state. It is also better to hire a local lawyer because:
- Understanding of local law and statutes
- Acquaintance with local judges, courts, and lawyers
- Convenience of meeting in person
Despite the prevalence of online consultations today, familiarity may still come in handy, particularly when it comes to court hearings and dealing with documents.
5. Experience
Inquire about their years of practice and how many comparable cases they have handled. An attorney who has practiced long enough will be better suited to anticipate complications, navigate law processes effectively, and negotiate favorable settlements.
The skilled attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. specialize in accident and injury cases, providing their clients with a strong advantage when navigating complex legal claims.
Ask also:
- Success rates
- Significant case victories or settlements
- In-court vs. out-of-court experience
6. Size Of The Firm
The firm’s size can influence your experience and availability of resources:
- Small firms or solo practitioners: Will likely receive more individualized attention and direct access with the attorney working on your case.
- Mid-sized to large firms: Will likely have more resources, including paralegal access, in-house experts, and administration support, but you may have more contact with associates than partners.
Select the size best fitting your case complexity and your requirement for personal service or firm resources.
7. Cost And Billing
Law is costly, and it is good to know about fee arrangements.
Typical billing arrangements are:
- Hourly rates: Most standard for ordinary legal work
- Flat fees: Most often for ordinary services (e.g., preparing a will)
- Contingency fees: Usually in cases involving accidents; attorney only gets paid if you recover, which is called the contingency fees.
- Retainers: Upfront payment to guarantee future work
Inquire if billing is disclosed, if there are fees beyond those disclosed, and if the attorney has flexible payment options available.
8. Compatibility
You’ll be sharing confidential information and working very much with your attorney, so both of you must trust each other and be comfortable with each other as well.
Ponder upon:
- How they communicate
- How empathetic and patient they are
- If there is a feeling of being heard and understood
- How effectively they can simplify jargon to you
Having a good lawyer-client relationship is extremely important and largely depends on personal compatibility.
9. Availability
It won’t do if he’s a good lawyer if he doesn’t have the time to work on your case initially. Ask:
- How many active clients do they have?
- How long do they take to respond to emails and calls?
- Does your case reach them personally or juniors?
Clarity of communication and availability at all times are the keys to a hassle-free legal process.
10. Communication Skills
Legal proceedings are complex, so select one who spells out to you and keeps you updated at each step.
Your lawyer should:
- Clarify options and probable outcomes
- Use plain language, not just jargon
- Tell the truth about strengths and weaknesses of your case
The truth is the best policy and allows you to continue speaking straight, so you can make sound judgments.
Finding An Appropriate Lawyer For You
When you are considering the things to look for when hiring a lawyer, then the ideal lawyer is ultimately a person who.
Aside from having the ability and experience to work on your behalf, values your time, hears your goals, and makes you comfortable along the way.
Below are a few last-minute pointers to help you make the best decision:
- Schedule two or three appointments with lawyers in advance.
- Draft a list of questions and issues beforehand so it’s ready for your meeting.
- Pay attention to how you feel about each attorney during the consultation.
- Do not ignore your intuition—if it does not feel right, look elsewhere.
This is your journey to justice. Your best attorney must be your advocate, your advisor, and your friend in the practice of law to triumph.
Don’t Compromise. Select The Best Lawyer For You
Employing a lawyer is an important choice that can significantly affect your legal results. By considering your needs and weighing each candidate against the top ten most important factors outlined above.
From experience and value to compatibility and communication—you’ll be in a better position to select a lawyer well-suited to your legal and personal objectives.
Read More:
