Generally speaking, the times that we need to hire a lawyer are times when we are under the most stress, for a variety of reasons. That fact, coupled with the fact that most people do not have a lot of experience with the law, leads to people feeling unsure, nervous, or scared about hiring a new lawyer. Whether you need a criminal defense attorney, a divorce lawyer, or another type of legal specialist, there are some things that you should keep in mind before hiring your representation.
First of all, make sure that any lawyer you want to hire is eligible to work on the case in your jurisdiction. You may have an old family lawyer or a lawyer that you used before on a previous case, but if those cases happened in a different state, you’ll probably have to find yourself a new lawyer. That said, you can always reach out to your old attorney as ask if they can recommend someone in your area. In some cases, a trusted attorney will have good advice about how to find a new lawyer in the proper jurisdiction to handle your new case.
Second, find out what your lawyer’s specialty is and look for one that is compatible with your situation. You don’t want to hire a corporate tax attorney if you’re in the middle of a messy divorce and looking for someone who can represent you in family court. There are legal experts in absolutely every area of the law, so take your time and find the right one. For example, if you have a case that deals with third party insurance claims Beaverton OR, a lawyer from a respected firm like Peter O Hansen can help you handle that with experienced professionals.
Finally, when you meet with a prospective new lawyer, make sure that you feel like you can trust him or her. You will need to communicate openly and honestly with any lawyer that you hire, and you should feel comfortable that the advice that they will give you will be in your best interests. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a lawyer if you don’t feel like you can get along with him or her and be totally honest. The best lawyer for your case will make you feel confident in their ability and their integrity.