Choosing an attorney isn’t something you do every day. And when the time comes, it’s usually because something serious is happening. Whatever the details of the situation, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure of where to start.
Truth be told, not all lawyers are created equal. And a fancy website or TV commercial doesn’t guarantee they’re the right fit for you. If you want real results, you need to dig deeper and find someone who has the right experience, attitude, and approach to handle your case.
So how do you sort through all the noise and actually find that person? Here are a few helpful suggestions.
Get Clear on What You Need
Before you even start Googling names or reading online reviews, you need to figure out what kind of legal help you actually need. The legal field is full of specialists, just like in medicine. You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for chest pain, and you shouldn’t go to a real estate attorney if you’re being charged with murder.
Ask yourself a few important questions, like:
- What kind of legal issue am I facing?
- Is this civil or criminal?
- Am I trying to recover damages or defend myself?
- Do I need someone aggressive, or someone skilled at negotiation?
Once you’ve named the issue — personal injury, employment dispute, criminal defense, estate planning, etc. — you’ll have a much easier time narrowing down the field.
Don’t Rely on Ads Alone
Just because an attorney has billboards all over town or a catchy radio jingle doesn’t mean they’re the best. It just means they have a marketing budget. That’s not a red flag by itself — lots of great attorneys advertise — but it shouldn’t be your only reason for calling them.
Instead, dig deeper and look at their experience. How long have they been practicing? What types of cases do they handle every week? Have they taken cases to trial, or do they just settle quickly to move on?
Read Reviews
Online reviews can be incredibly helpful or incredibly misleading. If you’re reading reviews on Google, Avvo, or legal directories, look for patterns. Are past clients consistently talking about communication, trust, and results? Or are there red flags like “hard to reach,” “didn’t explain things,” or “just wanted my money”?
One bad review doesn’t mean the attorney is terrible. But if multiple people are saying the same negative things, pay attention.
Also, take note of how the attorney responds to reviews. A thoughtful, respectful reply shows professionalism and accountability. Silence or hostility is a bad sign.
Ask About Communication Style
This one’s big. You need to pay attention to how an attorney communicates. If you’re hiring someone to help you through a stressful, high-stakes situation, you want someone who will actually talk to you, not just throw jargon at you or hand you off to an assistant.
When you first reach out, pay attention to how quickly they respond. Do they answer your questions clearly? Do they make you feel heard? Or do they rush you off the phone?
A good attorney should make complex issues feel understandable. That usually means they talk like a real person, not like they’re trying to impress you with legal speak.
Think Through the Fee Structure
Legal fees can vary wildly depending on the type of case. For example, personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win or settle your case. Other types of attorneys may charge flat fees or hourly rates.
Make sure you fully understand what you’re agreeing to. You can ask for a written agreement that outlines fees, billing practices, and what you’ll be responsible for if the case goes long or requires expert witnesses.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Hard Questions
Too many people hire an attorney after one quick phone call or a free consultation, without asking the tough stuff. You have every right to ask pointed questions. It’s your case, so ask questions like:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What outcomes have you gotten for clients in similar situations?
- What’s your approach if the case doesn’t settle quickly?
- Who will actually be handling my case day to day?
- What are your fees, and how do they work?
The right attorney will happily answer your questions and provide you with clear information that helps you make smart decisions on how to move forward.
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, this is about both qualifications and trust. You need someone who puts you at ease and makes you feel like a priority, not a case number.
If something feels off, walk away. There are plenty of good attorneys in the industry and you don’t deserve to work with someone who isn’t going to do their job well.
The Bottom Line
When it comes down to choosing an attorney, you have lots of options. That can either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how conscientious you are when vetting lawyers. Let this article serve as a starting point for how you filter out the good from the bad.
