The following are beginner suggestions on finding a competent lawyer:

- It’s A Competitive Market. There are many sites proffering legal services. Most are resellers or directories. A reseller is someone who refers you onto the attorney who will actually handle your case. This can save you cash, or be a damned nuisance. The lawyer you choose should reflect your needs and situation. You don’t need an ambulance chaser for a serious criminal charge. If you’re potless, some good attorneys do ‘pro bono publico’ work; free, ‘for the public good’.

- A Law Firm Or Just A Referral Service? Referral companies have sites that make them seem to be the whole deal. They take your case on and subsequently sell it to the real law firm who will pay them a fee. Once you’ve settled upon a few law firms, you can enter their business name in a search engine with the words ‘problem’ or ’scam’, and see what comes up. It may be revealing!

- Contingency Fee. When pursuing damages, try to choose a lawyer who’ll take your case on a contingency-fee basis; he won’t get a payout unless you get a payout. Make sure you clearly understand the payment structure before you commit to the retainer agreement. He will get his fees out of the money you receive in your settlement; about one-third of your final settlement _after_ expenses are taken off the top!

- Put It In Writing. Disputes arise over assumptions not put down in writing. The attorney has his version of your ‘gentlemen’s agreement’, and you have yours. Disputes are ideally avoided by clearly understanding everything upfront; the essence of a good contract.

- Some Questions You Should Ask: How many years have you been in practice? How speedily can I expect my case to be resolved? When may we meet? What length of time have you been with your present firm? Are you an associate or a partner? Time and accessibility. How much will the total outgoings be, approximately? How do you charge for your services? Will you give a written, detailed statement of outgoings? Is the initial consultation free? Do you communicate via mobile phone, telephone, fax or email?

- Do Some Sums. Get out paper, pen and calculator. What’s the worst that could occur? Do you have enough money to cover the attorney’s expenses if you lose? You ought to ask yourself if you truly need a solicitor. Do you really need to start proceedings? A lengthy court case can hang like a sword of Damocles over your head.

- Find The Right Lawyer. Most folks find attorneys by the following methods: 1) In the US, you can contact state bar associations. 2) Lawyer referral services will refer you to a solicitor who specialises in your problem, for a fee. These services can be found in the yellow pages. 3) Recommendations from co-workers, friends and family who have used an attorney recently. 4) Advertisements. ‘Free’ and ‘no charge’ are warning signs. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many reputable attorneys don’t advertise. Avoid taking on one who solicits at your door unannounced. ‘Ambulance chasing’, known technically as barratry, is often forbidden by local bar associations. If he’s bending or breaking rules to find clients, how probable is it he’ll obey them to win your case in a legal trial?

- Know Your Options. Be sure your solicitor informs you of them. Attorneys don’t just sue people. Suing can be a most time-consuming and costly way for one to get compensated. Be sure your solicitor is open about other means to fix your problem, such as arbitration or mediation.

I hope these few simple tips will be of some use to you in hiring a capable lawyer.

About the author: Nicky Svengali is an author for lawyer and UK loans internet sites in London.

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