Litigation is traditionally considered an extrovert-friendly field, but there is room for all personality types. Finding the best civil litigation attorney for you will require research, as their selection will significantly influence the outcome of your case.

When picking a lawyer to represent you in your case, you should consider the following factors during your initial consultation.

Experience

The legal procedure can be lengthy and expensive. You should choose a legal representative who has knowledge of your particular legal issue and can assist you as painlessly as possible. The right attorney should understand the law in your jurisdiction and be familiar with local judges and arbitrators.

Litigation attorneys must be able to work through the discovery process and speak with experts to gather evidence for your case. They will also be responsible for presenting your claims to a court or arbitration hearing to receive compensation if the decision goes in your favor.

Online attorney databases are an excellent resource for finding qualified litigators. They allow you to research and compare attorneys nationwide, including their education and work experience. In addition, you can view their firm website and Google them individually to understand their practice’s depth and breadth better.

Reputation

Consider the value of finding a lawyer with a solid reputation in a case as serious as litigation. It’s worth the effort to sift through references and online reviews to find one that can match your needs.

A reasonable attorney can communicate simply about the process and legal issues. They should be kept from being bogged down in shop talk, which will make it difficult to understand their explanations and could damage your case.

Many firms, like Hassett& George, offer free consultations to prospective clients. Use these opportunities to size up attorneys for fit, personality, and competence. You should also explore the firm’s website, Google individual attorneys, and the law firm itself. Online attorney databases offer information on individual lawyers, including their bar data, education, experience, client reviews, and more.

Fees

Many assume that if they successfully litigate their case, they can recover their attorney’s fees from the opposing party. However, this is only sometimes the case.

When interviewing lawyers, consider their billing practices and procedures. If they bill by the hour, ensure you understand how they calculate their rate. Also, ask about additional costs like filing and expert witness fees.

Furthermore, you should be aware that if you switch lawyers before your case is over, you may still owe your former attorney fees and expenses incurred before the switch. Be clear with the lawyer and document this in your fee agreement.

When choosing a litigation lawyer, consider their character and professional skills. Find someone you can trust and who makes you feel at ease. No matter how skilled they are, your case might suffer if you and the attorney do not get along.

Communication

Litigation lawyers are hired to handle legal matters and must communicate effectively. It involves communicating clearly with people who aren’t lawyers and explaining complicated ideas.

Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to determine if they fit a potential client’s legal needs. During this meeting, ask each attorney to provide their strategy for handling the case, how they see it playing out, and the possible outcomes. Discussing the attorney’s fees and billing practices is also a good idea to avoid surprises.

Finally, ask the lawyer how they usually communicate with their clients and how soon you can expect a response to questions or concerns. Nothing is more frustrating than weeks or months without hearing from your attorney. Ideally, you want an attorney who understands that your case is a priority and prioritizes keeping you updated without being reminded.