It’s important to hire the best lawyer for your situation and one with whom you have a positive chemistry.
Considerations include whether the lawyer practices in the same area as your legal matter, if you have the funds to hire the lawyer and if you have confidence in him/her. It’s good to research the lawyers you are considering hiring and schedule a consultation with them. Many lawyers will not charge for an initial consultation or will apply that cost to the legal fees.
It is not easy to obtain a law degree and license to practice law. States vary in their requirements, but generally a lawyer must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), graduate from a law school and pass a rigorous bar exam in the applicable state(s). A lawyer must also pass a moral character and fitness test. Once all that is completed, each state requires some sort of annual continuing legal education to keep a lawyer updated on th
e law.
Important questions to ask your lawyer:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What is your area of expertise, or specialty?
- How many cases have you handled like mine?
- What are your fees?
- What are the various possible outcomes in my case?
- Will you keep me updated on my case? How?
A good lawyer must consider the needs of the client
Though a lawyer cannot ethically guarantee a specific outcome in a case, he/she can tell you what to expect and review the potential outcomes based upon the circumstances. Of great importance is how available the attorney is to meet with you and return phone calls or emails to address your concerns. Many issues can arise in the attorney/client relationship when communication is poor.
Kari Brandenburg appreciates that most people who need an attorney are in somewhat of a crisis and are trying to navigate unfamiliar and difficult waters. Not only does she have the expertise and experience to address your legal interests, but she also understands that communication is key and that a good lawyer must also consider other needs of the client, including his or her emotional well being and any personal goals he or she may have.
Contact us today to find out how we may help you!