Hiring the right lawyer will make a drastic difference in the way your case is handled. A lawyer with limited experience can end up missing small details that could lead to serious problems. Reduce the risk of losing your case by spending the time to hire a lawyer with adequate experience. Consider the following ten suggestions before you hire a lawyer.

How Much Experience Does the Lawyer Have?

Every legal case varies. Therefore, it pays to search for a lawyer with the right kind of experience. For example, handling a case related to personal injury is completely different from settling an estate. It is vital to seek out a lawyer with the most experience related to your case. Not only will the lawyer have a thorough understanding of the law, they will have experience with the local court system.

What Can I Afford?

The legal process can be expensive. When you are seeking a lawyer, it is important to establish a price range that suits your needs. Compare the costs of flat rate and hourly billing to determine which is best for you. Keep in mind that if a lawyer can settle the case outside of court, you can save a substantial amount of money. A case that moves forward to the courtroom will cost more. Every case is different, which means costs vary.

Trial Experience vs. Settlement Experience

Does the lawyer you are working with have enough experience at trial? While most lawyers will work hard to focus on settling a case outside of the courtroom, there are times when a case will go to trial. How does the lawyer handle controversy? The more you know about the lawyer, the easier it will be to trust them to correctly handle your case.

Is the Lawyer Available?

A lawyer that is focused on their clients will keep in touch and advise them about the different phases of the case. If a lawyer doesn’t return your calls and emails, it is a sign they may have too many cases on their plate.

Flexibility

Another important element when working with a lawyer is to find out how flexible the lawyer is with your schedule. Can the lawyer accommodate your schedule needs? Are they willing to communicate via your preferred method of communication? A committed attorney will make certain that your schedule doesn’t interfere with getting updates on your case.

Credibility

To find a lawyer you can trust, find out what people think about them. If a lawyer is well-respected by other lawyers, it is a good sign they are trustworthy. Check customer reviews of the lawyer to find out how other people felt about the process. Credibility is an important element in finding a good lawyer you can trust to handle your case correctly.

Consultation

Will the lawyer provide a free consultation? This is standard practice for a number of law offices. The free consultation provides a clear picture of the way the attorney sees your case proceeding and how that particular attorney may handle the various scenarios that inevitably come up during the legal process.

How Long Has the Lawyer Been Practicing?

A new lawyer may have a lot of youthful enthusiasm, but a lawyer with tenure is something you should consider. Based on the particulars of your case, you may need to search for a lawyer with a lot of experience handling cases similar to yours.

Personality

When you are looking for the right lawyer, it helps to find someone you are comfortable talking to in person. The personality of the lawyer can determine whether or not you feel comfortable with your case and the entire process. While you want a lawyer you know you can talk to comfortably, it also helps to watch their demeanor in court. You want a lawyer that will fight hard for your case.

Fee Schedule

Does the lawyer provide a fair fee arrangement? Some lawyers will ask for a large payment up-front while others set up payment arrangements. Focus on finding an affordable payment arrangement you can afford. If the lawyer works on a contingency, they do not get paid until your case wins.

Take the time to find a lawyer you know will fight hard to win your case and help you acquire the outcome you deserve.