Finding the right lawyer isn’t easy. Most people only need to see a lawyer a few times in their lives. Whether you are drafting a will or a trust, buying or selling real estate or getting a divorce, it is important to select the best attorney possible. Selecting the right lawyer is a time-consuming, but important process. Below are some useful tips on how you can hire the best lawyer in Toronto.
Identify Your Legal Problem:
The first step in the process of finding a suitable and best lawyer is to understand the problem or issue you are facing. During this initial phase, consult your general corporate lawyer or another trusted business advisor such as your accountant. Select a specialist to help you solve your legal problem. Lawyers today are as specialized as doctors. For different legal matters, there is a different lawyer to consult. You cannot rely on one lawyer to solve your all the legal issues. So first figure out your issue then consult any lawyer accordingly.
Make Sure the Lawyer has the Right Experience:
The appropriate level of experience is one of the most critical criteria in selecting a lawyer. You always want to hire a lawyer who has a successful track record with your type of problem. Viewing the law firm’s website will also give you insight into the scope of the firm’s practice. Explore the website of each firm on your “short list” and Google the firm and individual attorneys. These steps will help you assess the depth and breadth of the firm’s practice. Google Reviews can also help you find the best lawyer for your problem.
Expect the Lawyer to be a Good Communicator:
How does the lawyer communicate with his or her clients? If you have a question, how should you be getting in touch with them? What is their response time like? While every lawyer will most likely be handling several cases at a time, your case is a priority for you, and you need to make sure the lawyer you hire recognizes this and communicates with you promptly.
Clarify Responsibility for Your Case:
In a small law firm, you may be more likely to deal directly with the attorney you hire, while in a larger firm you may have several attorneys working on different aspects of your case. Therefore, ask the contact attorney which individual attorney will be responsible for your case and which other attorneys will work on it from start to finish, and how the firm will staff your current and subsequent cases. Also, ask how the firm uses its paralegals and support staff.
Most Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer:
Now that you have some Lawyer options, it’s time to choose. To get you started, here’s a list of questions to ask you, lawyer, before hiring:
Do you provide a free consultation? If not, how much does the initial interview cost?
How long have you been in practice?
How much experience do you have in cases like mine, and more importantly, what were the outcomes of those cases?
Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action?
What are your fees? What services are included? How do you expect to be paid (lump sum, installments, etc.)? Are your fees or fee structure negotiable?
What is your caseload currently like? Do you have the time to commit to my case?
Finally, but perhaps the most important thing for you to consider when hiring a lawyer, follow your instinct. You need to feel extremely comfortable with the person who will represent you and your interests, especially as you will likely be sharing private details about your life and possibly putting your future in his or her hands.