Let’s face it! Most of the time having an attorney is one of those necessary things that you wish you really didn’t need. But, they truly can make a bad situation worse if you don’t choose the right attorney for you. This is why I’m going to tell you what you need to be looking for when picking your attorney.
- First, meet with more than one attorney when selecting the one that’s right for you! Attorneys are people too. Some have great personal skills, some don’t. Some will give you the creeps when others won’t! This is why it’s important to shop around. And remember if you don’t like the receptionist and can’t stand the idea of talking to them every time you call, you should weigh that into your decision making. Referrals are great but, what works for your best friend might not work for you. Use referrals as a guide to help you get started.
- Choose an attorney that you feel comfortable with. I say this because you are inevitably going to have to share very intimate details of your life with your attorney (unless you enjoy shock and awe in front of a judge). You should also choose an attorney that you feel like is going to fight for you, even if that means making you hear what you don’t want to hear. A good attorney knows how to balance what is legally feasible and what you want in a manner that maximizes your result.
- You get what you pay for (and sometimes you get a little less than what you pay for!) Make sure that you read your fee agreements or representation agreements. These will often disclose when and how you are going to be charged. Even though someone might offer a free consultation, chances are they’re only going to give you 15 minutes of their time. The initial consultation is often the most valuable time you will spend with your attorney. Don’t devalue that time by basing your decision on a “free consultation.”
At Ball Morse Lowe, it’s our goal to make you feel comfortable coming to us for anything! We have a variety of different personalities to work with most anyone that needs our help. We know that this is a two-way street and will be honest with you even when you don’t like it. Our consultations are free, but we work to provide value for what you pay for.
If you are seeking an attorney to help you with a personal or business matter, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We like to say whether you’re looking to build a business, preserve a relationship with your children, or fight a bully, and you can’t go any further on your own, we’re here to help.