Finding the right Attorney for you is "Feeling the Rain". Others will just allow you to get wet!
I'm off to pick the perfect Apple off the tree. The bottom branches have dropped some pretty bruised Apples. The low hanging branches have some "okay" looking Apples.....but I extend my search and find some great Apples a little higher up.
Same thing goes for finding the "right" Attorney for you. There are the one's on the ground....not saying they aren't a good Attorney but are they a good Attorney for YOU!!
Do some research! Ask questions! Ask people you trust! If you take the time to search for that GREAT APPLE it will be worth the time spent finding it!!!
Shopping for Restaurants: Yellow pages under Restaurants
Shopping for an Attorney: You cannot simply pick up the phone book and look there. If it were that simple Attorney's would not do a good job for their clients. They would charge a retainer, charge an hourly fee and let the chips fall where they may.
So how do you find a good Attorney? You ask people who have been in your situation. Don't just take one person's word on the Attorney, as with all professionals and professions no one is perfect. Get the opinion of several people. If you get several referrals, schedule a free consultation (if possible) with all of them.
Now it's time to do your homework. Check with your State Bar Association to see if there are any complaints. Check online referral websites:
Avvo and Colorado Bar Association are just a few links you can do some research on.
Important questions to ask when YOU are interviewing an Attorney. Most people think that when they meet with an Attorney it is a one-way decision; "Will they take my case." What you need to remember is that you need to also decide if "I will hire this person."
Communication is very important when deciding to hire an Attorney. If you call and schedule an appointment to meet with an Attorney ask if the person you are meeting with IS AN ATTORNEY. When you need an Attorney it is essential you speak to an Attorney, not an assistant, not a paralegal, not anyone but an Attorney. Your time is important.
Ask the Attorney if he/she will be communicating with you or will his/her assistant? Please know that it is absolutely appropriate for an Attorney's assistant/paralegal to keep you updated on your case but you need to know that if you need to speak with the Attorney that you will be able to do so. (Please note that it is probably unlikely that you will get to speak with them when you call). Ask them how long it takes for them to normally return a phone call. I have found that if you can email the Attorney you will often get an answer quickly but it is understandable that you would want to "talk" to them.
Most important when you are trying to find a good Attorney, do not explain your situation differently than the facts. If you meet with one Attorney who will not take your case because of XYZ do not fail to tell the next one of XYZ. If you want a good Attorney than you must first be a good client.
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