5 common mistakes to avoid when hiring a lawyer
Hiring the right lawyer can be quite tricky. This is because one wants an experienced and competent lawyer who does not overcharge for their services. Therefore, it is crucial to go over the many options with a fine-tooth comb. Unfortunately, one might end up making a lot of mistakes when hiring a lawyer, which might cost one a fortune. On that note, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when hiring a lawyer:
1. Not researching all the available options
It is easy to fall prey to false advertisements and marketing gimmicks. This is understandable since it is easier to assume that if the lawyer is on TV or a billboard, they must be really good. However, buying a spot of television or billboard space is quite easy for a lawyer as long as their legal firm has enough money to put into advertisements. However, these ads cannot always be trusted based on what they claim. Therefore, it is important to look into every detail of the lawyer and the legal firm. Ensure that in-depth research and background checks are done on several lawyers with expertise in one’s case. There are several ways to do this, which include reading client reviews, going through websites of legal firms, and taking notes through news articles and blogs that provide details of cases of each lawyer that one is considering as options.
2. Forgetting to look into the area of expertise of the lawyer
A common mistake that can be easily avoided is not checking the area of expertise of the lawyer one is considering hiring. For instance, one may waste a lot of time researching the background of a lawyer with expertise in family law when one needs a lawyer with experience in a personal injury case. There are a few ways to avoid this blunder: look into the types of law the lawyer practices, check the number of cases they have taken up that are quite similar to one’s case, and make a note of how many of these cases have gotten successful results in favor of the client. This will ensure that one gets the best advice and a high chance of a positive outcome in the case.
3. Skipping on asking the right questions to the lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer, make an appointment with them to interview them. Usually, most lawyers do not charge any fees for such initial consultations. This is a great opportunity to get to know the lawyer better. It would be a mistake not to take the chance to ask them as many questions as possible regarding their qualifications, expertise, success rates, fee structure, and so on. Additionally, be sure to ask questions specific to the case at hand. Here are a few questions one must be prepared to ask their potential lawyer. Asking these questions and other follow-up questions that might come up during the consultation will help determine the type of service to be expected from them:
– How long has the lawyer been practicing the law?
– Which law school did they attend?
– How familiar are they with the type of case one has?
– What is their success rate in handling similar cases?
– What type of strategy would they want to take for the specific cases?
– What is their opinion regarding settling the case outside of court, or will it be necessary to go to trial?
– Will the lawyer be okay with taking the case to trial, if needed?
– Are there any issues the lawyer is expecting to encounter in the case?
– How much will the lawyer charge in terms of fees and commission?
4. Deciding to hire a lawyer as a favor
Sometimes, one may receive many personal recommendations from lawyers from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Whoever gets to know that someone close to them has legal needs may end up suggesting a lawyer that they know. While these suggestions and recommendations may be made with the best intentions, hiring a lawyer just as a favor to one’s family or friend would be a mistake. Avoid making decisions that will affect the course of the case. This is because the suggested lawyer may not have the necessary expertise, competency, or experience that can increase the chances of success in the case. If one must consider a lawyer recommended by someone, it is crucial to do the necessary research and background checks.
5. Trusting lawyers who guarantee a certain outcome
A blunder that one may unwittingly make is believing a lawyer who claims to deliver a guaranteed outcome for the case. Some lawyers may make these claims based on their experience. However, the law is quite complex, with several variables involved. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to guarantee any specific result for a case. Even if their claims of success are well-meaning, it would be helpful to be wary of such lawyers. So, carefully research for specific legal requirements. Hire someone who sets realistic expectations and will change strategies if and when needed. Make sure to get to know the lawyer properly before hiring them.