The Florida bar has over 110,000 members. Not every one of these people is a viable option for your legal needs. With the countless advertisements for legal services bombarding us from every direction, it can be tough to determine who to hire. Follow these tips for picking a good lawyer in central Florida.
1. What Is Your Legal Need?
Not all lawyers practice in the same area of law or in all areas of law. Typically, a lawyer chooses specific areas to focus their practice on. When hiring a lawyer, you need to know what type of lawyer can provide the services you need. For example, you wouldn’t hire a real estate attorney to represent you in a personal injury case or a patent attorney to write your estate planning documents.
2. What Is Their Experience?
While it may seem obvious, it is smart to check that the lawyer is licensed and can legally work as a lawyer in the state of Florida. You can look up lawyers on the Florida Bar Website. Doing so can tell you the lawyer’s disciplinary history with the bar and their current standing.
It is also important to ask the lawyer about their track record and case history. Find out how long the lawyer practiced in an area of law. Ask them if they have experience representing clients in a similar situation as yours. Finally, ask about their results track record. While previous performance is no guarantee of future outcomes, no one wants to hire a lawyer who loses significantly more than they win.
3. Check References
Find out what other clients have to say about their experience with the lawyer and law firm. You can do this by talking to friends and family who have employed a lawyer. You can also look online for reviews. However, read online reviews with a critical eye. People are more likely to write a negative review than a positive one. They are also more likely to write a negative review when their case doesn’t go exactly how they wanted. Focus on reviews that highlight the attorney’s communication style, knowledge of the law, and representation style.
4. How Do You Feel With Them?
Your lawyer needs to make you feel comfortable and confident. After all, your attorney is the person you depend on to know the law better than you and advocate on your behalf. If you don’t feel confident in their abilities, you will second guess their advice and strategies. This creates unnecessary stress in an already potentially stressful situation. Your lawyer should make you feel heard through open and effective communication.
5. Consider Your Budget
Cost and quality do not always correlate. The most expensive firm is not always the best firm. In contrast, it isn’t smart to blindly choose the cheapest lawyer you can find either. Instead, take a look at your budget and determine what you can afford. Then look for the best quality lawyer whose fees fit within your budget. Do not spend money that you do not have. This could potentially put you in a worse position and financial trouble.
Ask potential lawyers about their fee schedules. Some lawyers charge a flat rate for specific services. Other lawyers charge an hourly fee. Finally, some lawyers do not charge fees upfront and instead take their contingency fee out of the money awarded to you. Ask the lawyer how they charge, if they have an escrow requirement, and what their estimated total cost of your case is.
Choose a High-Quality Lawyer
With these tips for picking a good lawyer in central Florida, you are ready to start your search. First, consider what type of lawyer you need. Then choose a couple of options by comparing experience, performance record, and references. Finally, consider your budget and how you feel during the consultation with them.
Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys to discuss your situation and possible representation.
