Choosing an Attorney

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CHOOSING AN ATTORNEY

Q.  How would a new Florida resident choose an attorney?

A.  There are many methods available for you to choose a new attorney.  Consider the following:

1. Ask friends, neighbors or co-workers about lawyers they have used and with whom they have had successful experiences.

2. Contact your state, city or county bar association and ask for the names and phone numbers of attorneys who handle cases within your needs.

3. Look for advertisements. Many attorneys advertise in the yellow pages and/or newspapers, and these ads often state their specialties, office hours and locations.

4. If you live near a law school, you may wish to contact the dean’s office or law professors for a recommendation.

Some questions you may wish to ask the attorney before or during the initial meeting are as follows:

1. Is there a charge for the initial consultation?  Many attorneys do not charge for the initial meeting.

2. What percentage of his or her practice is devoted to cases like yours?  Many attorneys can handle a variety of legal matters, while others devote most of their time to one area.

3. Does the attorney have references from past similar cases?  This information may or may not be available since most attorneys may be very hesitant to release client names for ethical reasons.

4. Will he/she personally work on your case or delegate it to others?

5. What are the billing arrangements, how will progress reports be made to you regarding your case, and how long does the attorney estimate your case will take to process?

6. What are the attorney’s fees?  Attorney fees are negotiable and should be a factor in making your decision.  Some attorneys charge flat fees, others charge hourly rates, and others take retainers or work on a contingency basis.  The hourly rate can vary a great deal from attorney to attorney.  Whatever fee arrangement you ultimately decide upon, it is best that it be in writing.  The writing can also provide a written estimate of the costs and how bills may be itemized.

Remember, when you choose an attorney, you could be choosing an advisor, confidant, and possibly a friend for life — GOOD LUCK!