How to hire a lawyer
It's an art, not a science
You think you have a legal problem. Now what?
I have been on both sides of this, as I have hired multiple lawyers and now people hire me. What should you know before hiring a lawyer?
What YOU need to think about first:
Is this a need or a want? A DUI is a need, your neighbor moving his fence line and it bothering you because it MAY encroach on your property is a want. This is also a question to ask the lawyer just to see their response. I’ve told many potential clients they probably don’t need a lawyer for a minor traffic ticket, which leads to them hiring me.
What is your budget? Many clients want Champagne service on a Ham’s beer budget. Litigation can be costly. A civil case done right is probably tens of thousands; I have heard much higher numbers, but let’s assume it is something like a divorce. You need a budget. A RETAINER will not, in most cases, cover your case. I usually go through retainers in 45-60 days. Read that again. 45-60 days. My retainers are usually a little low to get business, and over time as my clients improve (i.e. people with more money), they will increase. Still - $3k. What does $3k get you at $300 an hour (around my current rate, I’m outside of Chicago by a bit, Chicago land usually is $450 to $1,000 an hour)
The initial meeting
The Petition, and temporary petitions (think child support, other bills that need paid, maintenance)
Initial court
Going through the other sides’ responses, responding to those if need be;
Second court date
Second meeting
Filing something else if they will not pay, there is an immediate issue (I keep having dads left off as emergency contacts, that’s an email and probably a filing)
Some legal research
?
That’s it.
Let’s move to a criminal case. I bill at a minimum fee against an hourly rate (for example, a $5k felony. If I can resolve the case in 17 hours, no additional fees. If not, additional fees, trial is separate). I quoted someone interested in a trial at an additional $20k, it’s a complicated case. They decided to plea the case.
What should you look for in an attorney?
A successful lawyer told me lawyers are impulse buys. I was shocked. One of the most important decisions is an impulse buy? “Yes, you pick up the phone or respond quickly, you’ll get a client”
He was right. Many times I am the first lawyer someone talks to. I talk about my background (former prosecutor, military lawyer), go through their case and what I would do. That’s usually all it takes.
You need to have a plan if you’ll look around. Find a couple lawyers, call, see who calls you back. Have a time frame. “I’m going to meet with 2-3 lawyers this week, then make a decision Monday.” If you don’t plan, you’ll usually go with the first you meet.
Vibe. It’s like joining a BJJ gym, go check out the vibe. Do you like the person? Do they seem and look put together? How is their office? I tend to be on the messier side, so I have to clean up prior to anyone coming in. Some lawyers are slop and you’ll see it right away. Have they tried cases? Ask them about prior cases. What did they do? ASK THEM QUESTIONS. This is not buying groceries. Each lawyer has a different style. You need to be ready with your budget to know if you’ll go to the mat (i.e. trials, hearings). Ask them if they have done trials and hearings, and how they went. I nerd out to this stuff, so I do well with these questions. Others may not. Watch how they act when you ask questions. They are the experts, but YOU are the client.
Reviews. Read reviews on google. Do they HAVE reviews? I ask for reviews after most cases (I leave the annoying clients with a thank you). If they do not have reviews, ask why? Are they too lazy to ask or set up a google business account?
Were they referred by someone? Like anything, a referral carries weight. Take that into consideration. If a friend you like likes them, odds are you will too. I just received a referral from one of my favorite clients. It turns out it is one of the people that went to court with them. I was always friendly with her, answered her questions. I had NO IDEA she’d be backing up a Brinks truck to my office a few months later.
Do they practice in your county? Each county is its own ecosystem, judges, DA’s, etc. You DO NOT WANT a lawyer who is unfamiliar with that county. They, at a minimum, should know something or someone (i.e. I know the DAs, a few used to be prosecutors with me, etc.) Out of town attorneys get out of town deals. You do not want an out of town deal. I would give better deals to lawyers I knew. Why? I KNEW THEM. Friends help friends. “I need this” from someone you know is different than “Can you help me?” and I do not know you.
That’s a short guide, but if you keep these in mind, you’ll find a good fit.
NAMASTE,
Kong