How to Choose a Lawyer—a Lawyer’s Perspective
One of the hardest things that any business will have to do is find a lawyer that they can trust, afford and hope the lawyer is qualified to handle the legal issue(s). Every lawyer, even though not “board certified”, will have his or her own specialty or niche practice. When deciding on a lawyer, you should ask:
- Does the lawyer have experience with this kind of problem?
- Does the lawyer charge for an initial interview? If so, what is the charge?
- If you believe your problem is routine: Does the lawyer have a standard fee for this kind of problem? What does the fee cover?
- If your problem is more complicated or the lawyer does not have a standard fee: What is the lawyer's hourly fee? Or will the lawyer do a flat fee?
- Does the lawyer provide a written agreement describing fees and services provided for the fees?
One of the best ways to find a lawyer is through a trusted colleague or friend that is also a business owner. Another trusted source is your CPA or bookkeeper. As you may know, your CPA and your lawyer will often times consult on many of your business issues.
Then, interview that attorney and get a feel for his or her bedside manner. You should consider the following factors before agreeing to hire a lawyer:
- Could you communicate effectively with the lawyer? Was the lawyer clear and easy to understand?
- Are fees reasonable in comparison with other lawyers' charges?
- Did the lawyer give clear explanations of how he or she will let you know about progress in your case?
- If you are not satisfied with this lawyer, do not hire him or her. Look elsewhere for legal help.
If you have a good gut feeling and he or she is qualified, then see if you like the fit. You are never married to one lawyer and if you are not happy, continue to search.
Finally, seriously consider the lawyer’s fees and how they are billed. As you know, in business the bottom line is most important. After 8 years of practicing law in a traditional law firm setting and listening to my clients talk about their hourly bill, I started my own law firm. This firm is clearly non-traditional. We offer:
- No hourly bills
- No unnecessary travel time—all done with technology
- Fixed monthly billing from $300-$750/month
- You pick the plan with as many services as you need or want.
With my law firm, you involve me in your management team early and thus will be prepared to face a situation before it occurs. I believe my business model makes me proactive rather than reactive. I will be there every step of the way to ensure that your questions and problems are answered.
So, when looking for a lawyer, you can go the traditional route or you can look for an alternative—The Krasney Law Firm.
