Are you concerned about having enough confidence in your due diligence before hiring a lawyer? Googling “attorney near me” and digging through search results won’t always give you much confidence. Therefore, having a well-informed plan on how to check an attorney’s reputation is essential.
How to Check an Attorney’s Reputation
Not knowing if you have made a wise decision will make you too anxious to trust the process. But, with a core set of criteria, you will have the courage of your convictions.
Thankfully, this process does not have to be lengthy or arduous. Make some notes today based on this article and you will be ready to move on to the next steps.
State Bar Association
A state bar association fulfills several vital tasks for the legal system. For starters, they administer the bar exam and the discipline system for attorneys. These tasks require diligent record-keeping that becomes public knowledge. Therefore, anyone who wants to evaluate a potential lawyer will want to use this resource.
Each state bar in the U.S. will have a member directory that the public can utilize. Completing a straightforward search will tell you if there have been any problems with them.
Online Reviews
Lawyer reviews on websites like Yelp can tell you plenty about the law firm you want to assess. However, you will also want to look beyond how many stars they have received.
The nature of an attorney’s work often involves high stakes and life-changing events. Passionate feelings abound in this environment, and the outcome isn’t always to their liking despite their best efforts. Accordingly, you will want to evaluate any responses to negative reviews in particular. Do they show compassion and professionalism in the way you would expect? If not, they may not be the right fit for you. In this case, there is no point at which you cannot change lawyers.
Speak to References
References are the lifeblood of hiring for any given position in life. Hiring an attorney is certainly no exception. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can speak to their previous clients.
But, do not focus merely on whether they won the case or not. A lawyer must provide a zealous defense, even if the odds are not in their favor. The truth is that many “lost” cases turn out much better than they would have without their efforts. Instead, ask questions like the following:
- What was their communication style like and did they make you feel heard?
- How long did you wait for replies to phone calls or emails?
- Did you feel that the firm had your best interests in mind at all times?
- Do you feel like you had clear expectations of what would happen?
- Were you impressed with their knowledge of the law?
News Articles
Much of the work a lawyer does that involves the court system becomes a matter of public record. As a result, searching through your local news websites may give you a sense of their work.
For instance, do you know if the attorney won a notable case recently? Alternatively, did a disciplinary action against them make the news? You may surprise yourself with what you can find.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Digging through attorney records available to the public is a fundamental practice. However, there is much to say about your gut instinct. If you want to consider hiring a lawyer for life’s most significant moments, you need to meet with them.
Before you go to their office or hop on a Zoom call, develop a list of questions that are crucial to you. Be honest about how you feel about their responses. Moreover, take some time to reflect on their answers before you commit to choosing them as legal representation.
Meet With a Reputable Attorney Near You
Are you ready to get your legal journey started? Now that you have these criteria and well-tested advice, there is no time like the present. The statute of limitations for any given concern can sneak up on you quickly, and you need time to evaluate a local attorney.
We have an extensive network of highly-qualified and well-regarded lawyers. Submit a request with us today! If needed, we can also get you in touch with legal counsel across state lines. Send us a note through our website or call (866) 345-6784 today!
