You know you need a lawyer. But how do you choose a good one? Whether you’re responding to a lawsuit, suing for damages, entering the daunting realm of family court, or defending yourself against criminal charges, you need the best legal help you can find. Here are some suggestions on how to find an attorney who can win you case.

Where to Look

It’s tempting to go with the guys with the biggest advertisements or the most dramatic commercials. While they may be good, don’t take their word for it. Instead, check these resources:

• Friends, family, and coworkers: Personal recommendations (even a negative evaluation) are your best resource. Ask in-depth questions about the person’s experience, including how the office operates, fees and payment arrangements, the lawyer’s personality, and the case outcome.
• The Internet: You’ll find valuable attorney information online. Check out the website for your state or local bar association for lists of attorneys and their specialties. Your state Bar Association or the State Supreme Court websites will have disciplinary records. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, spend time on their websites, which often suggest the tone of their practices.
• Peer Referrals: Who knows a lawyer better than another lawyer? Ask an attorney friend (or your own attorney, if he or she has a different expertise) for recommendations.

What to Ask

Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation; it’s their chance to sell you their services, as well as a way for both of you to find out if you have a case worth pursuing. Take advantage of this offer. Here are some things to look for:

• An efficient, organized office: Some professionals can get by with being a little messy. Not a lawyer. It’s essential that a lawyer file accurate paperwork in a timely fashion, and show up at court precisely when required, with the right information. Sloppiness could cost you your case, and the attorney’s career.
• A lawyer who listens: Legal matters are often complex; no two cases are exactly alike. You need an attorney who will listen to, and fully understand, your problem.
• A lawyer with experience: Ask how many similar cases he or she has handled, and their outcomes.
• A lawyer who tells the truth: You may not have a case, or if you do, it may not be winnable. An honest attorney will tell you this up front, rather than take your money until you lose. Most legal matters take time to solve; you want someone whose advice is trustworthy, and whose ethics are sound.
• A lawyer you can afford: Ask upfront about the retainer and fee schedule, including the possibility of contingency payments.

How Attorneys-2-Win Can Help

Let’s face it; most of us don’t seek out attorneys because our lives are going well. You’ve got a legal problem, and you need expert legal help. Attorneys-2-Win gives you reliable, current information on lawyers in your area, so you can make an informed decision. Make us your go-to site for all your legal needs and attorney recommendations!