Lawyers specialize in diverse verticals, like criminal law, family law, corporate/business law, bankruptcy law, etc. Therefore, before you hire a Lawyer, determine your legal problem carefully.

Whether you got charged with a crime, served with a lawsuit, or need a divorce, Eric Thole, attorney at law, recommends you to understand your lawyer requirement correctly. Hiring a lawyer and doing it the correct way is one of the most crucial decisions you have to make.

Eric Thole believes it impacts the rest of your life, and so you must know the essentials legal tips before hiring them. Here are 10 essential things to consider before hiring a lawyer:

1. Determine the urgency of your situation.

If you are the accused in a crime, got injured and plan to pursue your rights, contact a lawyer immediately without any delay. If you are searching for legal help to avoid problems in the future, like tax strategies, corporate and employment law, etc., start your legal search now.

2. Find a lawyer that suits your needs.

Ask for recommendations from family and friends, do online research, and check reviews through lawyer review sites – like Lawyers.com or Justia.

3. Schedule a consultation first.  

Eric Thole asserts asking a lawyer to meet you for brief consultation first before finalizing. Most quality lawyers will agree to it without charging you. Give attention to how polite and accommodating they are on the phone while scheduling a consultation.

4. Consider more than one lawyer and ask the right questions.

Always find more than one lawyer that possesses the legal skills you need. See how honest they are with you and whether they are ready to work hard on your behalf. Eric Thole, attorney at law, advises you to sit down with each lawyer and ask the following questions:

●      What is your area of specialization?

●      Tenure of practice?

●      Find out how they feel about your case - Is it strong?

●      Ask alternatives to the lawsuit

●      Who handles your case - they or their assistant?

●      How frequently do they take a case to court vs. settlement?

●      How would they inform you about the case progress?

●      When and how do they want you to pay?

●      Expected duration of retaining their services

5.  Avoid hiring a lawyer that actively solicits your business.

Eric Thole states if a lawyer contacts you in person or by telephone asking you to hire him in your case, don’t fall for it. It’s against the legal rules of professional conduct. You don’t want a lawyer that breaks professional rules to represent you.  

6. Understand the fee arrangements clearly.

Lawyers charge different fees - contingency fee, hourly fee, flat fee, and retainer. Seek information in writing, with clear terms about all expenses covered under the legal fees.

7. Check the lawyer’s credibility and understand the rules of firing them.

Inquire with your state bar association for any ethical complaint against the lawyer. Know the terms to fire them under the contract before hiring.

8. Communicate your expectations and establish ground rules.

Talk to your lawyer about your ‘expected outcome’ for the lawsuit. See how well they explain all possible outcomes if you pursue the case in court. Understand it, and discuss your terms for settling for less than you expect.

9. Notice the lawyer’s negotiating style

The aggressive style works best for felony cases in criminal court but does not do well in family court for a custody case. Eric Thole advises you to interview the lawyer based on personality, style, the requirement of the case, and the time they agree to spend with you while preparing the case.

10. Follow your gut.

You can methodically evaluate your lawyer, check their experience and background, have realistic payment expectations, but in the end, you must listen to your gut. Eric Thole, attorney at law, advises you to focus on your 'gut feeling’ about that one attorney you met to make the final hiring call.  

 Conclusion

Use the tips to logically make decisions for hiring a lawyer that suits your case and budget. Lastly, Eric Thole states, if you are unhappy, don’t hesitate to fire your legal counsel and find the one fit for you and your situation.