What’s the best way to choose an attorney?
Here’s a straightforward way to evaluate attorneys:
- Fit & Focus: Ask about their main practice area, how long they’ve handled cases like yours, and examples of past results (no promises, just experience).
- Communication: How will they update you (email/phone/meetings)? How quickly do they respond? Will you mostly speak with the attorney or staff?
- Fees & Costs: Hourly vs. flat fee vs. contingency; who bills on the team; expected costs (court fees, experts). How does the retainer work?
- Comfort & Trust: Do they listen, explain clearly, and align with your goals (settlement vs. trial)?
- Credentials & Reputation: Check your state bar for license/discipline. Read reviews for patterns, and ask for referrals if possible.
Finally, do a bit of homework: verify bar status, look for any disciplinary history, and scan reviews for consistent themes rather than one-off complaints. Given the limited details, that’s the general framework. If you have more info, I can tailor this further.
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Full Conversation
I would like an attorney to teach me how to choose an attorney.
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand that choosing the right attorney can be a daunting task. What specific legal issue are you seeking assistance with?
I would like to educate myself in general—what things about an attorney’s background are good to consider, what kinds of questions I should be asking, and what I want to know. This is to educate myself in general for the future, no matter what type of attorney I need. I have no way to know if they are a good attorney or right for me. Can you help me learn this skill?
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you had any previous experiences with attorneys that you would like to share?
No.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with choosing an attorney.
No.
Jon
Hello and thank you for reaching out! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience, and I’m here to help.
If you’re comfortable sharing more about your situation, I can offer advice tailored to your needs. If not, no worries—I’m happy to provide a general overview based on what I know so far. Just let me know how you’d like to proceed.
Please share a general overview.
Jon
Here’s a straightforward way to evaluate attorneys:
- Fit & Focus: Ask about their main practice area, how long they’ve handled cases like yours, and examples of past results (no promises, just experience).
- Communication: How will they update you (email/phone/meetings)? How quickly do they respond? Will you mostly speak with the attorney or staff?
- Fees & Costs: Hourly vs. flat fee vs. contingency; who bills on the team; expected costs (court fees, experts). How does the retainer work?
- Comfort & Trust: Do they listen, explain clearly, and align with your goals (settlement vs. trial)?
- Credentials & Reputation: Check your state bar for license/discipline. Read reviews for patterns, and ask for referrals if possible.
Finally, do a bit of homework: verify bar status, look for any disciplinary history, and scan reviews for consistent themes rather than one-off complaints. Given the limited details, that’s the general framework. If you have more info, I can tailor this further.
Thanks.
Jon
I hope this addressed your question. If there’s anything else you need, I’m happy to help.
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Answered 1 week ago
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