Selecting a Sunshine Coast Lawyer

When you have a legal problem, selecting the right lawyer to handle your case can be one of the hardest parts of the whole ordeal. A lawyer that rightly fits your needs and budget cannot be found overnight. You need to spend some time and effort to find your perfect match. Most lawyers are qualified to the areas of their expertise so great care and consideration are a must.

Here are some tips to help you find the right lawyer for your case:

Do an Extensive Research

• Study your case and know more about the legalities that you need to be familiar with. Read news or articles related to your legal problem. You can also ask someone who have been in a similar situation. They may actually have some recommendations that you can take a look into.

• Ask for help in your local bar association. Explain to them your need for a representation. They can offer a list of candidates who specializes in the field you need.

• Consult with a lawyer that you personally know. They may have some important advice and referrals that you can also look into.

• Use the Internet to search for lawyers who specializes in your area of need. Check their backgrounds and records. Some sites also offer client testimonials and feedbacks. Once you have exhausted all possible source of information, create a shortlist of possible candidates.

Screen Shortlisted Candidates

Upon choosing several lawyers who can fit the bill, scrutinize each candidate first before heading to meet each of them. Follow this checklist to screen them:

• Check their law firm's website. Carefully inspect all the information available there. Take note if they appear to specialize in the field you need. Also check the lawyer's profile, experience and background.

• Call each of the lawyer's office for other things that are not available online. You can also ask them if the lawyer can offer the services you need (make sure that the lawyer can give any special demands you may have, i.e. speak in other language aside from English)

• Search the Internet for any information related to them. They might have written some articles or participated in forums, discussion boards or blogs.

• Try to locate their previous clients to have some firsthand information of how they handle their cases.

• Compare each lawyer by the years they have in practice, the number of cases similar to yours that they have handled and their success rate.

After thoroughly investigating each candidate, you will have around 2 or 3 choices at this point. Call to schedule an appointment with each lawyer and be clear with their policies. Some firms charge for an initial consultation but most offer free first meetings.

Consult With Your Top Choices

This is the most important part in determining who among your top choices will be the right lawyer for you. Be prepared and write down everything that you want to be cleared up with the attorney. This will save time and money (if he charges hourly). Here are some concerns that you need to address:

• Does he understand your situation and can he explain to you the law and how it is related to your case?

• Is he confident enough to handle your case and charge you in a cost-effective way?

• Ask how long will be the duration of this case and what should you expect will happen throughout your partnership.

• Ask if there will be any conflict of interest.

• Inquire and be clear about payment issues.

• Ask what a day's work would be like.

• Be sure to know if there are extra charges like costs for meals and transportation.

In selecting the right lawyer, remember to use your gut instincts. Choose the one who seems to have your best interests in mind. You should feel comfortable dealing with your attorney. There should be trust and confidence between both parties as you will have a relationship that can last several years. If you carefully do your homework, you will be assured to have great representation in court.