Understanding Your Legal Needs
Before starting your search, clearly define your legal needs. Different attorneys specialize in various areas of law, such as:
- Family Law: Divorce, child custody, and adoption
- Criminal Law: Defense against criminal charges
- Personal Injury: Compensation for injuries due to accidents
- Business Law: Contracts, mergers, and intellectual property
- Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, and probate
Finding the Right Attorney
Research and Recommendations
- Ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals
- Use online resources like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell
- Check credentials through your state's bar association
- Review attorney ratings and past client reviews
Initial Consultation
Most attorneys offer an initial consultation, either free or for a nominal fee. During this meeting, you'll discuss:
- The basic facts of your case
- Potential legal strategies
- Estimated timeline
- Likely costs and fee structure
- The attorney's experience with similar cases
Questions to Ask
- What is your experience with cases like mine?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
- What is your approach to resolving cases?
Understanding Legal Fees
Common Payment Arrangements
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | Most common for complex litigation ($150-$1,000+ per hour) |
| Contingency Fee | Common in personal injury cases (30-40% of settlement) |
| Flat Fee | Used for routine matters like simple wills |
| Retainer | Upfront deposit against future fees |
"Remember to get all fee arrangements in writing through a detailed engagement letter or contract." - American Bar Association
Building a Working Relationship
What Your Attorney Expects
- Honest and complete information
- Prompt responses to requests
- Timely payment of bills
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
Best Practices
- Keep organized records of all communications
- Take notes during meetings
- Ask questions when you don't understand something
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Stay involved in your case
Timeline Expectations
Most legal matters take longer than clients expect. Typical timeframes:
| Type of Case | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple Will | 2-4 weeks |
| Divorce (uncontested) | 3-6 months |
| Personal Injury | 6-18 months |
| Complex Litigation | 1-3 years |
Confidentiality
Your communications with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege. However, this protection has limits:
Exceptions to Attorney-Client Privilege:
- Communication about future crimes
- Communication with third parties present
- Public disclosures of privileged information
When Things Aren't Working
If you're unsatisfied with your attorney's services, you can:
- Discuss concerns directly with your attorney
- Request a meeting with a senior partner
- Seek a second opinion
- File a complaint with the state bar association
- Find new representation
For more information on finding and working with an attorney, visit resources like the American Bar Association or your local bar association.