As in most professions, areas of specialty are prevalent. Doctors have dozens of specific niches, accountants may specialize in personal, business, corporate or a myriad of places in between: even chefs fall under the categories of souse, pastry, salad, etc. When choosing an attorney, going the general route may hurt rather than help you in all but the simplest of needs.
Choosing an attorney is part of your financial and business life. It is important to find someone qualified in the area of specialty that you need, and for them to be an individual whom you find kind and comfortable to work with. Always remember that the attorney’s role is to help you accomplish that which you need, and the ultimate decision as to how to proceed is always yours. Use your attorney for guidance, but don’t forget who works for whom.
In the area of financial, estate and tax planning, you want to find an attorney who has had extensive experience in this specific area. Just the same way you wouldn’t use a podiatrist to set a broken bone, you want to find the most qualified and experienced person for the job. Is it a tax matter or a divorce? Slip and fall or corporate matter? The list goes on and on, but be sure you know what your needs are before seeking out your lawyer.
How do I find the right attorney?
Ask! Ask you primary professional for a referral: your Certified Financial Planner™, your accountant, your friends, your brother: anyone whom you feel can give you a referral preferably from experience. Next, do some research- look them up on the internet. See if there are any references, stories or articles about them. If you care to dig a little further (always recommended) check the State Bar in your state of residence to validate their license, and see if there are any professional complaints against the individual. While you’re at it, validate their claim to even be an attorney. Passing a state’s bar means that the individual has demonstrated that he or she possesses the minimum standards of education to pass the state exam to practice in that state of residence. Continuing education is required, and you will find out if they are keeping up with the latest findings and information in their field.
The big interview
Remember: you are hiring them, not the other way around. It’s most important that you feel comfortable with the individual, as you may be delving into very personal areas. Is he or she compassionate to your situation, or do you get the sense that they are listening with only half an ear? If you don’t feel a comfort level and that you can trust the individual, it’s time to interview the next professional.
The area of law is vast which is why most attorneys choose a specific field to specialize in. Some are sole practitioners, some part of a large firm. There are positives and negatives to both. A sole practitioner may give you more personalized service, but may have to bring in outsiders to cover areas that come up outside their area of expertise. A large firm may have multiple practitioners, but may lack the personal feel of a smaller office. Only you can tell. Determine your need, get your referrals, and take your time in choosing your legal professional.
