Q: Trying to find the right lawyer is giving me the blues - can you help me with my search?

A: Finding a lawyer may seem like an overwhelming task.You're already anxious because you have a legal problem. A creditor may have sued you or you may have been injured in a car accident. Perhaps you want to start a business or adopt a child. In these situations, you need a lawyer to protect your rights, but each situation requires very different skills. Yet many people don't know how to find a lawyer that is right for them, which only raises their anxiety level.

Not surprisingly, recent studies suggest that the vast majority of consumers (81%) wish there was a resource to help them find competent lawyers. That study also suggests that 62% would like to have easy access to legal resources on the Internet. This article outlines the basic steps to finding and hiring a lawyer, using Internet resources already available to you, and explains how to make that relationship as productive as possible.

WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP WHEN LOOKING FOR A LAWYER

Finding a lawyer may be easier than you think. Credible and trustworthy resources are already available to you on the Internet. For instance, www.lawyers.com offers a complete database of lawyers sorted geographically and by expertise. Here's how to get started using lawyers.com:

1.Learn about different legal practice areas. You can easily become familiar with the different practice areas to determine the type of lawyer who will work best on your legal matter. The "About the Law" section on the site's homepage explains popular practice areas in easy-to-understand language.

2. Check out the database of lawyers in your community using lawyers.com. Just click on the "Locate a Lawyer" section and either enter a geographic region or practice area for a complete list of lawyers and their credentials.

Other Internet resources can help. Lawyer referral services, operated by your local bar association, can assist in finding a lawyer who is right for you. Visit www.abanet.org/referral/ to find a referral service close to home. If you qualify financially, consider contacting your local legal aid service by clicking on www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono.html.

Yet some things can't be done on the Internet! In all cases, be sure to interview the lawyer to assure yourself that he or she has the expertise and experience you need, and that you have a comfort level that will allow you to be honest and open with him or her. Usually, you will not be charged (or charged very little) for this initial consultation.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING A LAWYER

Ask yourself the following questions to determine what lawyer is best for your situation:

1. Before selecting a lawyer, think about what skills he or she must have to assist you.Is your matter a business matter or have you been sued?Do you need estate planning advice or are you getting a divorce? What expertise is required is an important first question when looking for a lawyer.

2. Next think about the lawyer's level of experience.Is this a complicated business transaction? If so, you may want a more experienced lawyer to assist you, mindful that with experience may come higher fees. Or perhaps all you need is to incorporate a business, a relatively easy task that a less experienced lawyer can handle at a considerably lower cost.

How much can I afford to pay? All lawyers charge different fees, and some don't charge at all unless you win your case (called a "contingent fee" arrangement). Before looking for a lawyer, decide what you can afford, and be sure to ask the lawyer, in advance, if he or she can give you the assistance you need at a cost within your means.

A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR LAWYER

It's important to take some time to consider how important your relationship with your lawyer will be. Because you must be completely honest and forthcoming with him or her, a rapport must be developed so that you will be comfortable giving your lawyer all of the facts that he or she will need to pursue your matter diligently. This doesn't mean giving your lawyer only those facts that you believe will help your cause, but all of the facts, even if you believe them to be embarrassing or detrimental to your position.

Remember that your lawyer must maintain the attorney/client privilege, protecting your confidences in all respects.This privilege prevents a lawyer from divulging your secrets, and should allow you to feel comfortable giving your lawyer all of the facts pertaining to your matter so that the best result can be achieved.

MAKING THE RELATIONSHIP AS PRODUCTIVE AS POSSIBLE

To keep your fees to a minimum and to allow your lawyer to work as efficiently and effectively as possible, try to give the lawyer all of the information he or she might need to assist you at the time you hire the lawyer, and if you aren't sure what to bring, ask the lawyer before your visit. For example:

If you have been sued or are considering filing a lawsuit, come to the lawyer's office with the names of witnesses, with all of the pertinent papers (such as court papers, contracts, or deeds), and with specific facts or dates that might be important to your matter.

If you are setting up an estate plan, bring a list of assets and an explanation of how you want to distribute your assets.

If you are starting a business, have the names and addresses of shareholders, officers, and directors ready for the lawyer.

In addition, be sure to keep the lawyer informed of changes that may affect the legal advice you are receiving. Nothing is more frustrating for a lawyer than to do a great deal of work only to learn that the client's situation has changed, thereby altering or negating work that has already been completed.

©Alan S. Kopit, 2001

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