Lawyers In My Area

Searching for a lawyer can be a daunting process, particularly given how many practice options there are – from solo practitioners to large corporate firms – and how many different specialties exist – from criminal law to divorce to personal bankruptcy. As a result, it is imperative that you are an informed consumer. Legal services are costly but if you are well-educated, you can increase your chances that the attorney you hire will be able to obtain your desired outcome at a reasonable price. This site provides a detailed explanation of practice areas and practical information that will assist you in your search for an attorney who is appropriate for your needs.

Before you begin your search for an attorney, you must determine exactly what legal right you are trying to assert and/or vindicate and what resources are required to accomplish your objective. You should first decide whether it is necessary to hire a lawyer or a law firm with a specific type of expertise. To make this decision, you need to understand what matters are encompassed by a particular practice area. For instance, if your issue involves a disputed property boundary between you and a neighbor, an attorney who practices real estate law would be a better resource than an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. Similarly, a disputed will would require different expertise than that required to do tax planning, resolve a child custody dispute, or negotiate a plea bargain in a criminal case.

However, while most lawyers tend to focus on a particular practice area or areas, it is not always advisable to hire the most experienced, highly specialized professional you can find. These lawyers generally will charge a hefty sum for their services, a cost that might not be warranted given your needs. For example, if your issue is relatively straightforward and your goals are more modest, it is possible to achieve your desired outcome with the assistance of an attorney who has some experience, a basic understanding of the law and a willingness to advocate on your behalf. If this is your situation, it may not be necessary for the attorney that you hire to have a full arsenal of expensive resources at his or her disposal, such as associate attorneys and paralegals. On the other hand, if your dispute involves complicated legal issues and vast sums of money are at stake, you will want to hire a lawyer with a sophisticated understanding of the area of law implicated by your issue and the requisite resources to achieve your desired outcome. Thus, an understanding of what type of lawyer to hire, coupled with an appreciation for your own needs, is essential.

Once you have decided what type of attorney you will need, you then must identify prospective candidates to hire by doing your research. Lawyers live public lives and much information can be gleaned from the Internet. For instance, you can search state bar websites to determine if an attorney is in good standing or has been subject to any disciplinary proceedings. In addition, you may be able to locate news stories about verdicts, favorable or otherwise, obtained by an attorney or his or her firm. If the attorney practices with a firm, be sure to review that firm’s website and promotional materials. Depending on the nature of your dispute, you may want to research whether a particular law firm has other practitioners who would be available to assist with your case if necessary. Referrals from friends, family and colleagues are often an invaluable resource as well.

After you have narrowed down your prospective candidates, you should schedule a meeting, preferably in-person, with any lawyer or firm you are considering hiring. At this initial consultation, you should be prepared to share the facts of your case in order to give the attorney the opportunity to assess whether he or she can and will represent you. You also may discuss issues such as compensation for the attorney’s services, potential conflicts of interest, the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and possible next steps. In addition, use this meeting to assess whether you have personal rapport with the attorney. You will be working closely with this person so it is important that you hire someone you trust and with whom you can communicate openly and candidly.

The key to hiring an effective attorney is to be informed. And while no outcome is ever certain in the legal system, by understanding different areas of the law, as well as how attorneys who practice in those areas operate, you greatly increase your chances of obtaining your desired result.

The following practice areas will be discussed further to help you understand which lawyer is right for you:

Alternative Dispute Resolution (an alternative to formal litigation)

Bankruptcy

Business Law

Civil Rights

Criminal and White Collar Crime

Education Law

Family Law (including divorce , child custody, domestic violence, prenuptual agreements and adoptions)

General Practice (general transaction and litigation work)

Immigration

Intellectual Property

Labor and EmploymentLaw (including workers compensation)

Municipal/Zoning and Land Use (regulation of how land is used)

Personal Injury

Product Liability and Mass/Toxic Torts (includes class action litigation)

Professional Malpractice

Real EstateLaw

Taxation

Trusts and Estates, Wills, and Probate (disposition of property)