No matter what the nature of your case, finding a great lawyer is absolutely vital to success in legal proceedings.
You’ve done plenty of research online, read testimonies, and looked at reviews but how exactly can you tell is a lawyer of law firm is the right match for your needs? Well, we are here to help you do that, and have complied a list of 10 of the biggest signs that a lawyer is the right choice.
They have extensive experience
Having years of experience is a lawyer is great, but what really matters is the type of experience that your lawyer has. Someone with a well rounded background will have heard and seen it all in their time, but make sure that they have experience handling specific cases that are similar to your own.
During the consultation phase you should ask them about how they intend to handle your case and they should be able to answer with reference to their previous successes and prior cases, although they might not be able to go into specific detail.
They have an impressive track record
A lawyer might have handled hundreds of cases similar to yours, but if they don’t have a track record of success in those cases they probably aren’t your best option.
There are a couple of ways to check the results of a lawyer in their previous cases, objectively through a win/loss record, or subjectively by listening to the experiences of their previous clients.
They do well in court
Many legal cases never make it to the courtroom, being settled out of court in the form of a plea agreement, or because the charges were dropped completely.
However, it is important to know that should your case end up going to trial that you will have a formidable force representing you. This not only gives you peace of mind but also puts you in a powerful negotiating position as the opposing counsel will be willing to offer a better deal in order to avoid facing your lawyer in the courtroom.
They are upfront with you
Be wary of a lawyer who is overly optimistic about your case or guarantees victory. Your lawyer should be completely upfront with you from the start in terms of what they believe the best case scenario in your case may be. This will ensure that you are both on the same page.
There is no point in a lawyer telling you that they will be able to get charges dismissed when the evidence is not in your favour, for example, simply to get your services.
They should also be honest about their legal fees with no hidden costs.
They are objective
Any lawyer who has a conflict of interests or who is not fully committed to your case should declare this to you and you should go your separate way.
If a lawyer does not declare this conflict of interests they may well be breaking the law as it prevents them from being objective during the case.
Creative thinking
Any lawyer who has gone through the relevant training can fill out the paperwork and go through the motions of a legal case.
What really makes the best stand out from the pack, however, is their ability to be creative and devise a strategy for success that others may not have considered.
The more experienced that a lawyer is the more they will have seen throughout the years and the better they will be at thinking on their feet and devising new strategies. That said there is also something to be said for a young and upcoming lawyer who may bring fresh ideas and imagination to a saturated field.
Great Communication
You are choosing a lawyer that will negotiate on your behalf, interview potential witnesses, and potentially represent you in court so it is essential that they are a great communicator.
From the very first consultation with your lawyer they should be able to articulate clearly what their plans are for your case and you will be able to get a good idea of if the two of you are well suited to working together as a team. Many legal cases takes many months to resolve so if you don’t feel as though you are going to be able to work well together, it is best to end the partnership at the earliest possible stage.
They are available
Lawyers should be there when you need them, and if you can’t pick up the phone and be confident that your lawyer will answer then you should consider other options.
It might be worth paying a little bit extra to obtain the services of a more specialist lawyer who takes on fewer clients in order to guarantee their attention and availability.
Aamer Anwar Law Firm Glasgow are the experts that you need to call if you are looking for a lawyer that ticks all the boxes mentioned above, and many more besides.