HOW TO FIND A LAWYER in the U.S.

We'll help you answer your "how to find a lawyer" query (image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

     Before I worked in a law office, I was wondering why people who have had legal encounters and experiences say that you need to find a good lawyer to win a case, after all lawyers should be good if not great to start with before they earn their title. My question was answered when I delved into their world.

    Attorneys are the bridge between the sublimity of all those legal terms, options and scenarios, and the simplicity of everyday people who needs enlightenment. Their number one asset is their cognitive ability from which they weave the words and logic to effectively defend their clients or prosecute the opposing party. The expertise of a lawyer is indeed important for if they know the twists and turns, nooks and crannies of their field, they know how to use this to their client’s advantage, not to right a wrong or conceal what has truly happened but to bring the judge and the jury to the best angle, opening where to attack the matter and see the right viewpoint repleting it with supporting evidences and, perhaps citing similar decided cases.

     With this experience at hand, I would like to dispense a no-nonsense tips for the readers on how to find a good lawyer:

1.)   Ask your closest friend.  In looking for a lawyer, you may not just easily jump to any lawyer’s directory or even to the internet. If “how to find a lawyer” is a major issue and we are assuming the despite of the many factors to consider (in which state you are in, is it civil or criminal, your budget and the exact set up you’ll be needing), you don’t know where to start, then you run to whom you usually run in desperate times – your closest friend or your bestfriend. At that point, she may think more logically than you do less all the emotional stress you’re going through. Once you vent out the facts, she may personally know a lawyer which may match with your legal needs or she may know somebody who can refer you to an excellent lawyer.

2.)  Consider group or business referrals. To help you narrow the search for a lawyer you need, you may want to seek for the assistance of a group or business referrals. For example, if your case is sexual harassment, you may want to check out the nearest Women Advocacy Group in your area and, chances are, you will be given a reliable name for he/she surely have a good reputation not to mention strong track record for handling a case of such type. If you need a lawyer for entrepreneurial endeavour or for the problem you’re having in acquiring a business permit, then business peoples or partners would be a great ground to ask on who they think would measure up with the lawyer you’re looking for.

3.)  Local, phone and internet directories. The first two tips should already give you more than enough leads for you to find a lawyer. But in rare case that it didn’t or that you just want to know what other options you have aside from what you already have on hand, then you may consider local, phone or internet directories. You can check on your local state through phone directories various lawyers who are willing to share their expertise. Meanwhile, internet directories offer “lawyer search” where you need to fill up the basic information like from which state are you in, what kind of legal problem  you’re encountering (Tax, Business, Family) and they will give you the contact information of the lawyers whom they think can match your need.

     Now that you finally have the name of specific lawyer/s handy but you’re not sure yet if he or she is the one you’re looking for, we keep you further guided:

1.)  Meet up with the lawyer. Meeting up with the lawyer does not mean you’ll get the service. On the other hand, to the lucky ones, this is already the start of a good lawyer-client relationship. In this stage, you should have your guard up. Great personality is only one factor. Track record is another significant thing to consider. To help you judge if he/ she is the right one, you may want to tag a friend or somebody who already knows the subject matter with you. Good lawyers does not take advantage, they may even grant you a meet-up session at no cost. Make sure you have the straight facts ready because great lawyers will already tell you what will happen, what your options are and how things will go.

2.)   Consider an Expert. You’ve gone this far. Please take note that an expert on that legal field you are looking for, may charge higher than the normal. A good lawyer will discuss this to you down to the last details. Take notice of the time frame they will quote to you. As one internet directory claims, “Almost nothing is more aggravating to a client than to leave a legal project in a lawyer's hands and then have weeks or even months go by without anything happening. You want a lawyer who will work hard on your behalf and follow through promptly on all assignments.

     If you follow these sensible tips on how to find a good lawyer, you are on your definite way to get a fine attorney guide you and battle on your behalf.