Things To Do When Picking A Lawyer

When in need of a lawyer, especially if it is your first time, the task of finding a lawyer can be fairly daunting. Most people do not know where to start, how to take the proper steps necessary in ensuring they are making the right choice. When someone is in need of a lawyer, for a variety of reasons, it is usually a personal matter and they are trusting the chosen lawyer with a critical task, hence it is important to make sure you do your due diligence and research. To ensure that you are choosing the right lawyer, here are some suggestions and aspects to take into account.

Firstly, experience can be critical. Dealing with sensitive cases such as criminal trials, divorce, custody, and so forth, experience can play a critical role. These sensitive cases involve a lot more than just the legal work, it usually incites a lot more emotion from the client, and the lawyer needs to be experienced to deal with this accordingly, whilst still remaining professional and focused on the task at hand. Other cases such as cases regarding real estate, contracts, or traffic cases, experience does not play a major role in these as it is more knowledge based. However, experience is still something to take into consideration. But experience is not a definitive reason to make a certain decision, even the newer lawyers, or less experienced are often supervised. Furthermore, it is all dependent on the personal situation of the client.

Secondly, take a look at their credentials, achievements and mentions. Oftentimes lawyers like to display their degrees, credentials and notable cases. Make sure to take a look at their showcased work on their personal websites, or ask them about it. This can give you an idea whether they have dealt with similar cases, or if you feel like their credentials and notable cases suit your personal situation. It is important to trust and be confident in the lawyer you choose.

Thirdly, previous reviews can be a great way to gauge an initial understanding and impression about a lawyer. Make sure to read previous client reviews and feedback on a lawyer, and even the law firm. In most cases, people leave reviews and feedback based on their entire experience, how they were treated, what they liked, what they disliked and how the overall outcome was. This can give you a clearer understanding before making an important decision. Also, in Ontario, there is a website called Law Society of Ontario, any lawyer permitted to practice law in Ontario is registered on the website. This website shows their standing with the bar association, and it shows any violations, fines and suspensions. Essentially a lawyer background check to showcase full transparency with the client.

Picking a lawyer is a crucial task, and we want to make it as easy as possible. This is why we at CounselConnect make it easy to narrow down your search by asking simple questions about your needs and what you are looking for, and then based on that provide you with a list of lawyers matching your answers. We also list the lawyer reviews on their social profiles, and allow lawyers to showcase their information, credentials, notable work, and an easy means of contact. Making it easier for lawyers to find clients, and vice versa.

Fahd Shah
CounselConnect