Aly Sosa | How to Find the Right Lawyer

Aly Sosa says that it's not always easy to find a qualified lawyer who can help you with your particular problem. You shouldn't assume that reading advertising or searching online for a local attorney will lead you to a decent one. These sources don't provide enough information for you to form a reliable opinion.

Thankfully, you have other choices. Here are a few practical tips.

Personal Referrals

Talking to neighbors who have had the same problem as you are a preferable course of action; for example, if you are reporting sexual harassment, get in touch with a women's group. Learn about their legal counsel's reputation and who they were. Likely, talking to 12 others who have gone through a similar legal situation will provide you with a lot of reliable leads.

According to Aly Sosa, you should not choose a lawyer on the recommendation of another person. Different people will react differently to a lawyer's personality and mannerisms. After seeing a lawyer, discussing your case, and determining whether you are comfortable working together, decide whether to hire them.

Additionally, it could be challenging to get a personal recommendation for a lawyer who has the knowledge you want. For instance, the recommendation won't help you much if you require incorporation counsel but your buddy had a terrific divorce lawyer. Don't give up, though, right away. Consider phoning the divorce attorney, mentioning that they come highly recommended, and inquiring as to whether the firm employs a specific business attorney. You could discover the ideal fit.

Online Services

Numerous websites, provide a method of connecting with neighborhood attorneys depending on your region and the nature of your legal issue. You provide your contact information and answer certain inquiries about your circumstance. Then, an expert attorney in the area you need contacts you.

Business Referrals

Businesses that serve prominent figures in the legal field you are interested in may be able to point you in the direction of lawyers you should consider. Aly Sosa says that if you need small business law representation, ask your accountant, insurance agent, or real estate broker for advice. These experts assess business lawyers based on their regular interactions with them.

Lawyer Referral Services

Services that send clients to attorneys are another resource. The quality of lawyer referral services varies greatly, although they must be recognized by the state bar organization. Some legal referral services thoroughly vet all of the attorneys they recommend, only including those who meet specific requirements and have a certain level of expertise. In contrast, other services will include any lawyer who has liability insurance and is in good standing with the state bar. Ask about the requirements for including an attorney and the screening procedure before using a legal referral service.

Other Sources

In your search for a lawyer, you could also check out the following resources for suitable candidates:

• A reliable source of business attorneys might be the director of your state or the neighborhood chamber of commerce.

• Likely, the director of a nonprofit organization interested in the subject of your lawsuit is aware of lawyers who specialize in that area of law. For instance, it might make sense to engage an environmental organization dedicated to battling urban sprawl if your case involves preventing the establishment of a new neighborhood.

• A list of reputable family and divorce attorneys is likely to be available through a women's or men's support organization.

Consider a Specialist

Keep in mind that a "general practitioner" who deals with many legal matters may not be knowledgeable in the particular area in which your problem arises. According to Aly Sosa, of the more than one million attorneys practicing law in the US today, fewer than 50,000 are likely to have the expertise and experience needed to be of significant support to a growing company.

It may be advantageous to work with a lawyer who has experience in the field, whether it be employment discrimination, zoning laws, issues with software design, or restaurant licensing. In this manner, you can benefit from the lawyer's advanced level of legal knowledge. Even if an expert may charge a bit extra, it's frequently money well spent.

Interview the Prospective Lawyers

The next stage is to personally speak with each prospect when you have their names and a few excellent ones. Many attorneys may agree to meet with you for a half-hour or so without charge if you describe your demands in advance so that you can assess them and make an educated choice.

Personality

Aly Sosagui says that keep an eye out for how well you get along with your attorney personally. No matter how seasoned and well regarded a lawyer is, if you don't click with them after the first meeting or two, you might never have a good lawyer-client relationship.

Embrace your gut feeling and look for a lawyer that shares your personality. Additionally, consider accessibility, personal compatibility, and experience.