How to Choose a Lawyer

You should expect a successful attorney-client relationship to be grounded in honesty and respect.

Just like choosing a medical professional, you want a lawyer you like and feel comfortable with, one you trust with your most important personal (or professional) information, and are confident he or she is both competent and has your best interests in mind.
Some legal needs are more immediate; other circumstances require a more measured approach. Your own process could be condensed or expanded, but should generally include these steps.

Referrals

To get started on your search, ask friends, family and business associates whose opinion you trust for recommendations. Remember that lawyers have specialties, just as doctors do, so be specific about your needs. Don’t expect the lawyer who wrote your estate documents to be the best choice to help you set up a new business—though she may be an excellent resource for colleagues whom she trusts and feels you’d be comfortable with.
You can also contact legal referral organizations such as your local bar association. Bar associations in most communities make referrals according to specific areas of law, helping you find a lawyer with the right experience and practice concentration.
As you collect referrals, don’t be shy about asking for a lawyer in your price range. Fees vary widely, based on locale, practice area and experience. You should also consider how quickly you can get an appointment and how far you would need to travel.

Follow-up

Once you narrow down the recommendations you’ve received to those who best meet your criteria, contact each office and ask if he or she offers a free consultation—many will. If not, ask what the fee is for an initial consultation and determine from that if you wish to schedule a first meeting.
Use this session to determine if this pairing is a good fit for you by treating it as though you’re interviewing a candidate to work for you—because that’s what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to give details—even if you do not hire this lawyer, he is bound by law to keep your information confidential. Your candor may allow the candidate to provide valuable advice about the matter, such as whether it is worth pursuing in litigation, how long the case might take, what the cost would be and how his fee structure works.
Use this session to determine if this pairing is a good fit for you by treating it as though you’re interviewing a candidate to work for you—because that’s what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to give details—even if you do not hire this lawyer, he is bound by law to keep your information confidential. Your candor may allow the candidate to provide valuable advice about the matter, such as whether it is worth pursuing in litigation, how long the case might take, what the cost would be and how his fee structure works.

Signing a contract

Once you’ve completed interviewing, take some time to consider the candidates. If you decide to pursue your matter with a candidate, you will be asked to sign a contract. Read it carefully before you sign. Make sure the contract states whether filing and other court costs are included, who will pay if you win the case, exactly what services are included in any flat rate, ask if you will be charged for any or all status reports, emails and phone consultations.
No matter what issue you bring to the table, you are not represented by an attorney until you and the attorney have agreed in writing exactly what he or she is going to do for you and how your costs and fees are structured and will be paid.