Finding the Right Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer can be a difficult job. It used to be considered unprofessional for lawyers to advertise. Those days are gone. Lawyers spend a lot of time and money looking for new clients by advertising. It used to be that the best way to find a lawyer was by being referred by someone else who used that lawyer and was happy with their services. This has not changed. The best way to find a lawyer is from someone you know who has used that lawyer, or by someone you know who knows that lawyer.
It seems like whenever I want to find some type of service these days I go to Google. I type in a search and I get more results than I know what to do with. The problem with this method of finding service providers is that I still know nothing about them (except that they are good at marketing).
How then does one sort out the good lawyer from the good marketer? I have some advice. First, always meet with the lawyer in person. Never hire them over the telephone. Always make sure the lawyer you are meeting with is the lawyer that will be in court with you. Make sure the lawyer you are talking to is familiar with the type of problem you have and the court in which you have it. Ask for references. And don't be afraid to ask the lawyer questions. Remember, he is going to be working for you.
Good marketing and good lawyering are not mutually exclusive. But there is no substitute for a personal consultation and your gut feeling when you meet with your potential attorney. So if he doesn't seem like the right fit for you, maybe he isn't. And never be afraid to ask for a second opinion.