Have you ever faced legal issues like getting into trouble at school, your parents going through a divorce or a neighbor who would not stop causing problems? One may hear the word attorney. An attorney is another word for a lawyer. A lawyer is someone trained to help people with laws, courts and rights.
Sometimes families need a special kind of lawyer. Like in cases of divorce or child custody, someone may look for a custody lawyer Tulsa if they live in Tulsa Oklahoma. But no matter where you live or what kind of legal help you need, knowing how to pick the right attorney is highly vital.
In this writing, we will help you know what a lawyer does, why people need one, and how to pick the right one.
What Does an Attorney Do
An attorney helps one deal with the law. They speak for you in court, give you legal advice, and help you know your rights.
Here are a few things attorneys help with.
- Divorce and custody battles between parents
- Accidents or injuries
- Buying or selling property
- Starting a business
- Criminal charges
- Immigration and visas
So, like one would not go to a dentist for a broken leg, you do not go to any lawyer for every issue. Lawyers have specialties. So, picking the right kind of attorney matters.
Step 1: Know What Kind of Attorney One Needs
Various attorneys do various things. One needs to figure out what type of issues one has, then find a lawyer who works with that kind of case.
Here are some kinds of lawyers
Family Lawyer
It is for divorce, custody, or adoption.
Criminal Defense Lawyer
It is for someone charged with a crime.
Personal Injury Lawyer
It is for people hurt in accidents.
Immigration Lawyer
It is for help with visas or green cards.
Real Estate Lawyer
It is for property or housing issues.
So if the parents are getting divorced and arguing over who you will live with, they need a family or custody lawyer to resolve real estate issue.
Step 2: Ask for Recommendations
A good way to find a reliable lawyer is to ask people you know. This could be the following.
- Family members
- Teachers
- Family friends
- Someone who has used a lawyer before
You can ask them
- What lawyer did they use?
- Was the lawyer helpful?
- Did the lawyer explain things clearly?
- Was the lawyer respectful and honest?
Sometimes, a school counsellor or a trusted adult might know someone who can help.
Step 3: Do Some Online Research
Once you have a name, you or your parents can look up data about those attorneys. You can visit their sites or check reviews.
- How long they have been working
- What kind of law do they practice?
- What other people say about them
- If they are licensed, they are officially allowed to work as a lawyer
But remember
Someone having a fancy site does not always mean they are the best lawyer. That is why reading real reviews and asking queries is vital.
Step 4: Call or Meet the Lawyer
Many attorneys give a free meeting or phone call for new clients. This is the chance to talk to the lawyer before deciding.
Here are good questions to ask.
- Have you worked on cases like mine before?
- How do you charge money?
- How often will we talk?
- Will you be the one handling my case or someone else?
Watch how the lawyer answers. Are they kind and easy to comprehend? Or are they rude and confusing? Pick someone who makes one feel comfortable and listens to the concerns.
Step 5: Learn How They Charge
Lawyers can be costly, so it is essential to understand how they charge.
Here are a few ways lawyers might ask for money
Hourly Rate
They charge for every hour they work on the case.
Flat Fee
They charge one set price for everything.
Contingency Fee
They only get paid if one wins the case.
Retainer
You pay some money first, and they take fees from that amount as they work.
Ask your lawyer to explain their fees in simple words. Also, ask for everything in writing so one does not get surprised later.
Step 6: Trust Gut Feeling
Even if a lawyer seems smart, one has to feel good about working with them.
- Do I feel respected when I talk to them?
- Are they kind and helpful?
- Do they explain things in a way I understand?
If the answer is no, then maybe that lawyer is not the right one for you. It’s okay to talk to more than one lawyer before picking one.
Warning Signs to Avoid
- They promise you will win your case, or no one can promise that.
- They don’t explain things clearly
- They are rude or talk over you
- They do not return the calls or messages
- They have bad reviews online
Step 7: Make a Final Decision
Once you have talked to a few lawyers and asked all your questions, you can pick the one that fits best.
- Get everything in writing, such as a contract
- Understand how payments work
- Keep all your papers and emails organized
Quick Tips to Pick a Good Lawyer
Here is a short list of what to do when picking a lawyer
- Know what kind of lawyer you need
- Ask for suggestions from people you trust
- Look them up online and check reviews
- Talk to them and ask questions
- Comprehend how they charge money
- Trust how you feel about them
- Don’t ignore red flags
Conclusion
Picking a lawyer is not something most people do every day. It can feel scary or confusing, especially when legal problems are stressful. But taking time to find the right attorney can help you feel safe. So do your research, check the reviews, and ask for suggestions. Do not hesitate to ask any questions regarding your legal issues. But do not forget to ask for the charges. Also, do not ignore the red flags. You need to have the knowledge that you are looking for.