Some people assume that any lawyer will be able to provide whatever legal services they need. While technically this is true because a lawyer is licensed to practice law (there are a few exceptions where further licensing is required), the law is so vast and ever changing, that it has become nearly impossible for any one attorney to keep up with all areas and complexities of the law, or for a single lawyer to effectively provide legal services across each different area of law, that is why it is so important for any client to find a lawyer that fits his or her specific needs.

Also, lawyers and law firms are not interchangeable. They have different levels of experience, some have special skills and certifications, and some do not litigate. The ideal attorney for you is the one who has the legal knowledge and experience you need, helps you understand the process, communicates and negotiates well, solves problems creatively and is experienced in your specific court system.

The selection of an attorney is important not only to the ultimate outcome of your case, but also to how your case progresses from start to finish in terms of stress level, cost, and length of time.

There are a lot of attorneys out there, so you will have a lot of choices. As such, while making your selection consider attorney’s area of expertise, experience, and personality.

Identify the potential need for an attorney early. If you know a legal problem is a strong possibility, it is worth your time to start looking for an attorney early. This way, you will be familiar with one that you like before you are in a high-pressure situation. Otherwise, your selection may be driven by who has the time to meet with you, who you can afford at this moment, rather than who is the best fit for you.

Reach out to those you trust. Googling “best divorce lawyer” or “best immigration lawyer” will only help you find the attorneys with well ranked websites, or those who are good at marketing their services, but not necessarily those with the best skills. You may be better off asking for recommendations from other professionals or friends and acquaintances who worked with lawyers in the past. Take those recommendations with a grain of salt though, as there is no lawyer out there that wins 100% of the time, or that everyone trusts and loves. You do not need to find “the best lawyer ever” – you need to find the best lawyer for you.

Hire a specialist. Look for an attorney that handles your type of a problem, for example look for a divorce lawyer, when you are getting divorced. Specialists are best situated to assess your case properly because they have the most relevant knowledge and experience to handle your type of a case efficiently. They also are more up-to-date on changes and trends in the particular area of law.

Find someone you can work with. The outcome of your legal matter may have a profound impact on your future. This makes it very important to choose an attorney who you are comfortable working with, and who has the demeanor, expertise and commitment to meet your needs. You should have a reasonable degree of confidence in the attorney you choose. You will have to discuss very personal information, so you need to feel you can be open and candid. There also needs to be a good fit between your personality and that of your attorney. The attorney-client relationship is one that requires close interaction and cooperation, so personalities that clash can have a devastating impact on the professional relationship. It is also important to consider an attorney’s approach to cases; for example, is he or she casual, antagonistic, or business-minded? This approach should be consistent with the way you wish to have your case handled.

The attorney-client relationship usually lasts many months, making it crucial to choose an attorney whom you feel comfortable. You must also consider whether the attorney’s background and experience suits your needs. And remember your lawyer’s job is to help you with your legal problem, not to stroke your ego and become your best friend. A realistic lawyer who is trying to help you, will tell you flat out when your expectations are unrealistic or if you have no case at all. 

It is understandable for individuals to want to resolve their legal problems quickly and move on with their lives as soon as possible. As a result, some may be tempted to try to take care of their legal issues by themselves and  without getting professional representation. It is crucial to understand the pitfalls of trying to handle your case on your own.

When you retain the services of attorney, you are essentially ensuring that you are not taken advantage of by the other side. If the other side is not cooperating, the attorney must be prepared to take the case to court. Knowing that you are willing to go as far as necessary to ensure justice by obtaining legal counsel often means that the opposing side will deal more reasonably right from the beginning.

While some legal problems can be tackled on your own, there are some matters that are best handled by a lawyer. At the very least talk to a lawyer about major life events or changes, for example:

- being arrested for a crime;

- being served with documents related to a legal proceeding or lawsuit;

- being involved in a serious accident causing personal injury or property damage;

- a change or pending change in family status, such as divorce, birth, adoption, or death;

- a change or pending change in financial status, such as filing for bankruptcy    or getting or losing valuable personal property or real estate.

Yes, because we understand the importance of communication and transparency between an attorney and each and every client. Therefore, we strive to communicate with each client however they feel it is best to communicate, and we do so as often as reasonable, considering budgetary constraints and other factors. Legal matters, lawsuits especially, have a way of stretching out over extended periods of time and clients often feel anxious and want to make sure everything that can be done is getting done. Receiving daily updates can prove very expensive for a client and may lead to additional frustration, so we strive to obtain balance with each client so that they are receiving timely information and know that their case is progressing according to a strategy.

Not every legal matter requires the use of an attorney. Some of the things lawyers do, you can do for yourself, provided you have the time and inclination to learn how. However, many people facing a situation involving a legal dispute stand to benefit from being assisted by an experienced lawyer.

So what can our firm do for you?

- we will listen to you and figure out the best solution to your problem

- we will give you legal advice and real world evaluation of your case

- we will explain the legal process and procedures to you

- we will explain all the risks to you

- we will prepare you for trial 

- we will represent you in court 

- we will negotiate on your behalf to help you reach a resolution or satisfactory agreement or fair settlement with the opposing party

- we will keep you updated and informed of the status of your matter

- we will keep your information confidential