How To Hire a New Lawyer

Introduction

Hiring a new lawyer is one of those things that makes you nervous. It not only stresses you out because of the process of finding a new lawyer, but also the fear is there that you are not going to find a new person who will understand your predicament, represent your interests, and win the case. In addition, you know that there will be fees involved when hiring a new lawyer, so that’s another concern that will bug you. If you already had a run down with your current attorney and want to hire a new lawyer, then you will have a better idea of what to look for when hiring a new lawyer. If not, then it’s time to look at things that you should consider when hiring a new lawyer.

 

Step 1

There are several reasons for hiring a new lawyer; either you don’t get along with your current attorney or are facing a new litigation needing a specialized branch of law. In other cases, your current lawyer might not just have the right expertise and thus, you want to look for a new lawyer. Bear in mind that there are several types of attorneys specializing in different law subjects such as family law, criminal defense, personal injury, bankruptcy, or real estate. You might want to check the type of lawyer needed for your case.

Step 2

If you’re still on good terms with your current attorney, you can ask him/her if he/she could refer you to a new lawyer. However, if you fired you current lawyer, look for other sources as your ex-attorney will not likely be in the mood to refer you to a good lawyer. That said, there are other reliable sources; bar associations of lawyers, the traditional Yellow Pages, referrals from family, friends, and colleagues, or even your employers. Note that pro-bono or free services are also possible for those who cannot afford to get a new lawyer to represent them.

Step 3

Schedule a meeting with a new lawyer before agreeing to anything. Bear in mind that a consultation might also cost you money as there are lawyers who charge for this meeting. When you meet with the new lawyer, think carefully before hiring him/her. Make sure that you are prepared when the meeting transpires with a clear picture of the case and your expectations. If your new lawyer does not have an understanding of your case and your chances in the whole litigation, then it’s better to move to the next person on your list.

Step 4

Put everything in writing when you switch to a new lawyer. Once you decide to hire a new lawyer, make sure that you also understand what your financial obligations are. There are lawyers who ask for a retainer’s fee or an hourly fee. Depending on the complexity of your case, a new lawyer might ask for a retainer’s fee plus an hourly wage. Obviously, representing a traffic case is easier compared to asking for a plea bargain in a murder trial. To ensure that there are no surprises, when it comes to payments, put everything in writing. Ask the new lawyer as well, to put his estimates of the financial costs of a case or the typical price of a case until judgment. Possible monetary compensation you are expected to receive from winning the case is also important which can help in paying for the new lawyer.

Step 5

Be aware that hiring a new lawyer or an attorney will cost you money. Unlike an attorney with whom you have worked before, you still need to build a rapport with your new lawyer. If there are disputes between you and the new lawyer, the bar association offers resolution of such cases. You might feel that your new lawyer is overcharging you or that the fees are grossly inflated.

Tips

Bar associations are there to intervene when complaints against the new lawyer  or any attorney are filed. Make use of these resources wisely without putting the lawyer in jeopardy.

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