When it comes to choosing the right lawyer, there are a few key factors that you need to consider. Considering these factors can make or break your experience working with a lawyer, and hence it is important that you keep them in mind. Read on to learn exactly what these factors are!
Communication methods
Chances are, you will be working with your chosen lawyer very closely for a decent period of time. As a result, it is important that you are able to communicate quickly and comfortably with your future lawyer. Due to this, you will need to consider the type of communication methods you will be using to stay in contact with your lawyer.
Nowadays, you can choose to communicate with your lawyer either online or in person. Online methods of communication often include instant messaging (with the exception of email), video conferencing and voice calling. Through the use of cloud-based documents, both you and your lawyer can be sharing files and information in real time so that you maintain a direct line of communication.
When it comes to in-person communication, you will need to make sure that your lawyer has an office or is able to meet up with you physically at another location. This will also mean that you will need to budget for travel costs.
Types of services offered
You will also need to consider the types of services offered. Although most lawyers are hired to represent an individual in court, they may also offer a wide variety of additional services for your benefit. For example, a lawyer may offer advisory services as well as documentation drafting services. It is important to consider all these services so that you can find a lawyer who is able to meet your needs (and possibly even exceed them).
In addition to the types of services offered, you will also need to look into a lawyer’s field of expertise. Lawyers may be more specialised in a particular area of law, and hence only provide services surrounding this area. For example, a family lawyer may take on divorce cases, while a commercial lawyer may focus on intellectual property. It is important to consider this when choosing the right lawyer to work with.
Quality of services
Although quite obvious, you will need to consider the quality of services a lawyer offers in comparison to their pricing and quotes. The higher the quality, the more expensive a lawyer’s services may be. As such, it is integral that you understand a lawyer’s quality of services before committing to and paying potentially high prices for them.
You can figure out a lawyer’s quality of services by reading reviews on independent review websites and looking at their public engagement on social media. If they generally have a positive reputation with satisfied past clients, then the lawyer may be worth working with. You can also seek advice and recommendations for a lawyer from your close family and friends as they are sure to tell of high quality legal services.
Make sure that you pay close attention to these factors in considering them in your decision making process when choosing a lawyer to work with! For more law firm recommendations, check out the Law Society of South Australia’s website.
