When you’re going to court, choosing the right lawyer is essential. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dealing with a family law matter, you have a loved one in an assisted living facility that requires legal action for nursing home abuse, or it’s a personal injury case, choosing the right lawyer will make a world of difference in the overall outcome of your case.
Choosing the wrong one could not just lead to unnecessary stress, it could lead to financial loss or even legal issues. If you’re in the process of choosing a lawyer, here are some of the biggest mistakes that you should avoid.
Not Researching a Lawyer’s Niche
One of the most common mistakes is hiring a lawyer without even doing your research. Remember, every lawyer comes with their own unique set of skills. Always consider what a lawyer’s specialization is before making your choice. Remember, lawyers come with different specializations, from criminal defense to corporate law.
In other words, you can’t hire a divorce lawyer for a tax problem. The same goes for hiring a criminal defense lawyer for a medical malpractice case. Always do your research and get to know if the lawyer has substantial expertise and experience in whatever it is that you need for.
Not Verifying Credentials
One of the most common mistakes that people make when choosing a lawyer is failing to check a lawyer’s qualifications. You want to make sure that they have the right licenses and professional standing to carry out your legal needs.
Many clients make the mistake of taking a lawyer’s word for it rather than doing the research themselves and verifying the reputation. Unfortunately, this often leads to working with someone who’s not qualified or has a long history of client complaints.
Choosing Based On Cost Alone
Choosing your lawyer based on cost alone is a huge mistake. Cost has very little to do with their actual quality of work, which is why it’s so important that you know that the most expensive lawyer isn’t always the best fit. However, the same goes for choosing the cheapest lawyer just because you can afford it.
Mid-range is usually a good place to go, and above all, make sure that you have a good feeling about them. By focusing on value rather than cost, you’ll be much more likely to find the right person for your needs.
Not Reading Fine Print
Sometimes all that glitters is not gold. All too often in the legal world, a lawyer may seem great, when in reality if you had just read the fine print, you might see that there are unpleasant surprises and fees that come along later.
Always take the time to read your engagement letter and contract thoroughly, since unfortunately, not all lawyers are entirely transparent or upfront about their total costs.