Your attorney works for you, not the other way around. Treat your lawyer-shopping experience like a series of job interviews. Look for specific attributes and ask plenty of questions to determine whether they’re a good fit. These tips to remember when shopping for a lawyer will guide you toward one who will prioritize your interests.
Identify Your Needs
Why are you looking for a lawyer? Most attorneys work in specific niches, like personal injury or family law. Know why you’re seeking representation and research which specialty will serve you best. Avoid walking into an employment law case with a divorce lawyer in tow!
Ask Basic Questions
You want to be on the same page as your attorney at all times. Assess their interest in your case and how they plan to move forward. Some helpful questions include:
“How long have you practiced this type of law?”
“What’s your strategy for this case?”
“What possible outcomes do you foresee, and how do you plan to handle them?”
“How involved will I be in this process?”
Assess Their Attitude
First impressions matter! Your first meeting with a potential attorney can tell you a great deal about their attitude and process.
Choose a lawyer who stays on task and listens to your goals instead of creating their own. If you’re going through an amiable divorce and your lawyer focuses on making your ex-spouse pay through the nose, opt for one who isn’t so eager for revenge.
Additionally, pay attention to the way they treat you. Tardiness shows that they don’t prioritize or respect your time. If the attorney is rude or makes comments that cause you discomfort, take that as a warning sign of a shady lawyer.
Inquire About Costs
When the time comes to talk about money, speak to the practice’s billing department about how the process works. Will they bill you hourly? Are those bills itemized?
Some attorneys bill you for travel time, while others don’t. Contingency arrangements (wherein you don’t pay them until you get your settlement) have become more popular in recent years. Make sure you’re clear on all billing policies before making your choice.
Selecting a lawyer is a significant investment that can greatly affect your life, for better or worse. Take your time with these tips to remember when shopping for a lawyer, and don’t feel pressured to hire the first one you meet.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
You’ve just become a mom, and suddenly, everything feels different. Your body, your schedule, your entire identity—it’s all been turned upside down. One minute you’re a person with hobbies, friends, and a life outside of caregiving. The next, you’re knee-deep in diapers, sleep deprivation, and endless feeds. You look in the mirror and wonder: Who even am I anymore?
Trucks and SUVs aren’t designed just for driving on paved roads. With the surrounding natural beauty of the Carolinas, you want to explore more of what the states have to offer.
