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5 Common Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Lawyer

By California Business Journal Editorial Staff

If you’ve been involved in a legal matter, it’s certainly understandable if you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The process isn’t straightforward, and it can be hard to concentrate with so many different emotions.

Selecting the right attorney is one of the most critical aspects. They are the professionals who will help you receive the best possible outcome.

In this article, we will discuss five common mistakes that you should avoid when hiring a lawyer.

Interested in learning more? Then keep on reading.

Not doing any research.

Choosing the first lawyer that you come across may seem like the easiest solution, but it’s something you should avoid. It takes time to find the right professional, and you’ll want to do adequate research to ensure they have an excellent reputation.

You also need to check if they will take cases in your related field. For instance, some specialize in personal injury, while others, like Fontes Law Group, handle matters regarding immigration.

Worrying about costs.

Nobody wants to pay a fortune for legal advice. However, that doesn’t mean you should solely choose someone based on costs. Instead, be comfortable with your choice, and only consider fees when absolutely necessary.

Ability and experience are more critical, especially if you want to win your argument. So, ask about your options and try and find a firm that offers flat rates and payment plans.

Not asking the right questions.

It’s easy to walk into a consult nervous at first, but don’t let your fears stop you from asking questions. You want to be confident they will be the best person to represent your case, and you’ll only figure that out by comparing answers.

If you think you have forgotten something, follow up via email or call them over the phone. They will be more than happy to provide information on your inquiries in most cases.

Thinking bigger is better.

A big firm must be better, right? Well, that’s actually not always true. While those larger firms can access incredible resources, they may not always spend the most time on your case.

Depending on your situation, a smaller or medium-sized firm may dedicate more time to handling your requests. That extra personal attention goes a very long way, especially when you’re going through a rather distressing or emotional time.

Choosing someone based on family recommendations.

Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes you should avoid is choosing someone recommended to you by family or friends. Of course, asking for advice is great, but everybody’s situation is different.

Your case is unique, and a firm that worked well for them could cause problems for you. Trust your gut before taking the advice of others.