A Business Fix

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How To Shop For A Lawyer
by Violet Bontecou
http://www.fzlawyer.com

Buying a house? Starting a new business? Looking to set up a
trust fund or an endowment? If one listens to the television
too closely, you'd believe that the only use for lawyers is
to get you money if you were injured in an accident.

The truth is that lawyers help the good things in your life
happen smoothly without unanticipated glitches and holdups,
too. A lawyer is a valuable consultant if you are making a
major purchase, signing a long-term contract, drawing up a
complex pre-nuptial agreement or any other matter that
involves your legal responsibilities. A lawyer who
specializes in contract law, estate management, real estate
law or corporate law can help you safeguard your rights and
understand your responsibilities when you make legal
agreements of any kind.

Should you pay a retainer? Are you in a position where
you'll need the advice of a lawyer on an ongoing basis, or
is it a one-time need? If you have a business, you might do
well to establish an ongoing relationship with a lawyer.
When you pay a retainer to a lawyer, that fee is held in a
special account and the lawyer charges against it until it
is exhausted.

It's not as hard as you think. If you're considering hiring
a lawyer, one of your best resources is the people that you
know. Ask friends and associates for their recommendations,
especially if they've recently used a lawyer for a similar
situation. If you're buying a house, ask your realtor for a
list of good real estate lawyers. Personal referrals are
worth their weight in gold. You'll not only get a name, but
an estimation of the service and skill of the lawyer.

If your friends don't have any recommendations, or if you
want to look further afield, you can search online for
lawyer with your city and the specialty field to compile a
list of names. Many web sites have lawyer searches narrowed
by state or city. Take advantage of them.

Once you've compiled a list of names, you can research them
further at Findlaw.com, the Martin & Hubble law directory or
your local bar association's web site. One of your best
sources of information on prospective lawyers, though, is
Lawyers.com, which lists education, practice, area of
specialty anc confidential opinions from judges and
colleagues. That will narrow your search still further.

Do you have experience handling this kind of business?
Obviously, the answer you want here is a resounding yes. You
should also ask about recent experience in the field. The
more recent the lawyer's experience, the better. Case law
changes frequently. A lawyer who is actively working in the
field in which you need services will be up to date on the
latest trends in case law, and know others who might affect
your case.

During your interview, note how attentive the lawyer is able
to be to you and your questions. Is he rushed or distracted?
Does he inspire your confidence? Does he answer your
questions to your satisfaction, or does he or she seem
hesitant or reluctant to give you straight answers? Can you
afford his fees?

While some advisors recommend that you choose a lawyer that
you like, it's more important that you trust the lawyer you
hire. There are many very likeable people who aren't very
good lawyers. On the other hand, you DO want to choose a
lawyer that makes you feel comfortable putting your business
in his hands.

Most important of all, you should feel comfortable and
confident in putting your business in that lawyer's hands.
You don't have to like him, but if you can't trust him or
believe that he will do his best for you, find another
lawyer.

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