Choosing the right law firm can be daunting, especially if you face a legal issue for the first time. While there are many law firms to choose from, it can take time to figure out where to start. Yet, in the beginning – take the time to research and compare. Read on and learn about 3 basic steps that’ll help you increase your chances of finding a trustworthy law firm that is also the best fit for your legal needs.
1 Step: Define Your Legal Needs
Start by determining what type of legal services you require. Think of specific issues you want to address and the type of representation you want to get. For instance, if that’s a work-place related accidents claim, it’s best to look for lawyers specialising in this field. If you’re renting a property that’s not maintained to a satisfactory standard, look for specialists working with housing disrepair claims accordingly.
The same applies to the business field. Knowing your legal needs will help you narrow your search and find a firm that specialises in your area of law. This way, you can find highly skilled and experienced specialists in the relevant field faster.
2 Step: Gather Referrals & Do Your Research Online
Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, colleagues and other professionals can be a great way to start your search. As discussed above, seek not any recommendations but specifically those of law firms that have experience in relevant fields. Word-of-mouth recommendations are great, yet realistically – likely, not many would have valuable insights on such a request. Especially when facing a specific legal matter.
Whether you’ve got a few recommendations or not, research online. Once you’ve got a few options, gather information about the law firms you are considering. Assess specialists’ qualifications, experience, and, very importantly – areas of expertise. Look over law firms’ websites and check online reviews. This information can help you assess their trustworthiness and determine whether they have skills and experience solving relevant issues and cases.
3 Step: Schedule consultations
Contact the law firms you are interested in and schedule consultations with their lawyers. This will allow you to ask questions and assess your situation, specialists’ communication skills and availability. Remember, a consultation is also an opportunity to evaluate the lawyer’s communication skills and whether you feel comfortable working together.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions – anything that interests you. Remember to inquire about their fees and payment policy, whether they charge by the hour or have a flat fee for their services. By the way, some law firms operate on a customer-oriented “no win – no fee” basis. This means you won’t pay service fees unless a case is successful.
If English isn’t your mother tongue, ask if there’s a chance to get services in your preferred language. In the UK, there are firms offering various legal services in different languages. For instance, Litkraft Solicitors: https://litkraftsolicitors.co.uk/ru/.
After conducting your research and consultations, it’s time to compare and evaluate law firms. Assess factors such as the lawyers’ qualifications and experience, communication skills and availability, cost and payment options, and reputation and reviews. By taking time to compare and evaluate, you can increase your chances of finding a law firm that is right for you.