The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring an Attorney
August 15, 2011 By Elzinga & Associates LLC
Are you facing some legal responsibilities right now? Do you need an attorney that will be able to help you in settling all your legal issues? Avoid these common mistakes and you will greatly increase your chances of finding the right lawyer.
Finding a professional and reliable attorney is not as easy as it may sound. More often than not, many people, not just those living in but even those from other parts of the world, are committing some mistakes in hiring an attorney who is supposed to help them settle their legal issues. There are even times that instead of fixing the problem, these hiring mistakes just result in graver dilemmas. For this reason, it is a must for you to know seven of the biggest errors people commit when they hire an attorney.
Mistake # 1: Believing “Years of Experience”
There are a lot of law firms that boast of the number of years regarding their so called combined experience. However, most of these firms are only trying to enhance or magnify the credentials of their firm. Since you are after a well experienced attorney, such hype will not be able to let you know the attorney’s actual professional experience.
Mistake # 2: Thinking That Bigger is Better
When a law firm is concerned, bigger is not better all the time. If you want an attorney to give you his personal attention, it will be better if you go for smaller or medium sized firms. Usually, these are the places where you will find lawyers who will attentively listen to your case and help you out with fixing it.
Mistake # 3: Going for a Firm with Cost as the Basis
When looking for attorney, remember that cost is not the basis. The cheapest fees do not mean that it is best and so too for the most expensive ones. Although cost is an acceptable factor in looking for a law firm, make sure that it will be the least and last essential factor. Cost doe not override other pertinent factors like experience, ability, reputation and others.
Mistake # 4: Assuming Without Checking
Advertisements can be quite deceiving and most not be used as a basis for choosing an attorney. Whenever you see promises in the ads, always check is they are indeed real and existing.
Mistake # 5: Failure to Ask
Not asking can result to grave situations. Many people are shy to ask lawyers the questions in their minds because they become intimated. However, this should not be the case. The best way to clear all your doubts will be to ask questions, pertinent and relevant queries.
Mistake # 6: Not Asking for Written Agreement about the Fee
Although the law recognizes oral contract, problems might still be encountered. This is the reason why proof of the terms is very important. When dealing an attorney, make sure that you secure written fee contract. This is the best way to assure that all parameters will be well covered.
Mistake # 7: Not Shopping Around
Do not hire the first attorney you meet. Set appointments with as many lawyers as possible. Many attorneys will give free consultations. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know an attorney and see if they are someone you like. If you do not feel 100% confident hiring an attorney don’t. Shop around until you find the right one.
Avoid these common mistakes and you will be well on your way to finding a great attorney.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronn Elzinga
Ronn is the founder and CEO of Elzinga Law. Ronn is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the Multnomah Bar Association and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Ronn grew up in California, but now lives in Portland, Oregon where he practices law, loves his family, enjoys his friends, and tries to be good.
Copyright Elzinga & Associates LLC
More information about Elzinga & Associates LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Mistake # 1: Believing “Years of Experience”
There are a lot of law firms that boast of the number of years regarding their so called combined experience. However, most of these firms are only trying to enhance or magnify the credentials of their firm. Since you are after a well experienced attorney, such hype will not be able to let you know the attorney’s actual professional experience.
Mistake # 2: Thinking That Bigger is Better
When a law firm is concerned, bigger is not better all the time. If you want an attorney to give you his personal attention, it will be better if you go for smaller or medium sized firms. Usually, these are the places where you will find lawyers who will attentively listen to your case and help you out with fixing it.
Mistake # 3: Going for a Firm with Cost as the Basis
When looking for attorney, remember that cost is not the basis. The cheapest fees do not mean that it is best and so too for the most expensive ones. Although cost is an acceptable factor in looking for a law firm, make sure that it will be the least and last essential factor. Cost doe not override other pertinent factors like experience, ability, reputation and others.
Mistake # 4: Assuming Without Checking
Advertisements can be quite deceiving and most not be used as a basis for choosing an attorney. Whenever you see promises in the ads, always check is they are indeed real and existing.
Mistake # 5: Failure to Ask
Not asking can result to grave situations. Many people are shy to ask lawyers the questions in their minds because they become intimated. However, this should not be the case. The best way to clear all your doubts will be to ask questions, pertinent and relevant queries.
Mistake # 6: Not Asking for Written Agreement about the Fee
Although the law recognizes oral contract, problems might still be encountered. This is the reason why proof of the terms is very important. When dealing an attorney, make sure that you secure written fee contract. This is the best way to assure that all parameters will be well covered.
Mistake # 7: Not Shopping Around
Do not hire the first attorney you meet. Set appointments with as many lawyers as possible. Many attorneys will give free consultations. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know an attorney and see if they are someone you like. If you do not feel 100% confident hiring an attorney don’t. Shop around until you find the right one.
Avoid these common mistakes and you will be well on your way to finding a great attorney.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronn Elzinga
Ronn is the founder and CEO of Elzinga Law. Ronn is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the Multnomah Bar Association and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Ronn grew up in California, but now lives in Portland, Oregon where he practices law, loves his family, enjoys his friends, and tries to be good.
Copyright Elzinga & Associates LLC
More information about Elzinga & Associates LLC
View all articles published by Elzinga & Associates LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
