In today’s do-it-yourself world, where there’s an instructional video or online guide for seemingly everything under the sun, it can be very tempting to do legal work on your own. Don’t. Even if a legal matter looks simple enough for a non-lawyer to handle, it probably is not. I have been retained by clients on numerous occasions to undo their “DIY” legal work. In those instances, the clients end up paying substantially more than they would have if they brought the matter to me prior to their DIY attempts, as I not only have to redo the work correctly, but I also have undo the mess they’ve created. So, to save money and time, I don’t recommend that you attempt to do your own legal work. No matter when you’re looking for a lawyer, whether it is to get you out of trouble or to prevent trouble from finding you, the following could be helpful in your search to find the best lawyer for you.
1. Specialist
Find a specialist. Unless you live in a town where there is only one lawyer who handles all areas of law and you simply cannot find another lawyer, I recommend that you do not hire a general practitioner. Simply, there is way too much law for one person to know and correctly apply. Therefore, seek out a lawyer who focuses in the area of law in which you need help. For example, when I purchased my home, I hired a real estate lawyer, even though my husband and I are both lawyers. Sure, we could have figured out what to do with substantial research, and maybe even asking our friends who are real estate lawyers, but in order to do everything correctly, we knew that it was best to hire someone who handles real estate matters for a living, everyday. Trust the professionals.
2. Ask Friends and Family
There are lots and lots of lawyers out there. Who can you trust? This depends a lot on research and some luck. Because you cannot always make decisions based on internet reviews, it is a good idea to ask your friends and family, those you trust, to recommend a lawyer with whom they have worked in the past. If that lawyer was great, they’ll tell you. If that lawyer was awful, they’ll tell you. If that lawyer was just “meh,” they’ll tell you. So, just ask!
3. Internet
Whether you have friends or family members who could recommend the type of lawyer you’re seeking, it is always a good idea to check out the lawyer and/or law firm’s reviews on the internet. While there is no guarantee as to the legitimacy of the review sites or the reviewers on the internet, at least you will get an overall sense of a lawyer’s reputation by reading the reviews. If the lawyer has a website (and she or he really should), read its contents to gather as much information as possible prior to making your selection.
4. Fee Structure
Lawyers can’t handle every case on a pro bono basis – that’s just the reality. They’re making a living by giving legal advice. So, expect to pay for that advice. However, you may have a choice in how you pay. Usually, lawyers offer several fee structures and/or payment options. Some examples of fee structures include: flat fee, hourly fee, and contingency fee. Prior to retaining a lawyer, make sure you’re comfortable with the fee structure.
5. Firm size and personality
This section is all about making you comfortable. Even if you find the greatest lawyer, from the greatest firm, with the greatest reputation, you may not be happy if your personal needs are not being met. For example, if you’re someone who enjoys personal attention, maybe a lawyer at a large firm where the most of the work is done by associates you have never met is not right for you; maybe you want a small firm in which everything is done or closely overseen by the owner or principal attorney. If you’re not comfortable dealing with someone of the opposite gender, or if you’re only comfortable dealing with someone of the opposite gender, it’s a good idea to take the lawyer’s gender into consideration. And above all, if you don’t like to work with people of a certain type of personality, it is a good idea to speak to, or meet with, the lawyer prior to signing a retainer. If you’re a cheery individual, you may not want a lawyer who is grumpy and unapproachable. You may want someone who smiles, in real life and in photos. It is always easier to work with someone you like than with someone you do not like or can not relate to you.
Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Esquire
Shahrina Ankhi-Krol is the founder of Ankhi-Krol Law, located in New York City. She works with entrepreneurs at all stages of their businesses. The firm’s practice areas include Business, Contract, Trademark, and Copyright. Although the firm is located in New York, it serves clients from across the nation.
Shahrina has given numerous talks and presentations throughout the country on the topics of entrepreneurship and the law. Her dedication to and passion for the field of law resulted in her being named a Rising Star Super Lawyer, a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state, each year, for two years in row.
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