From today’s complex and highly aggressive world, a complicated legal society has been born. Even the “every day person” will ultimately bump up against an issue that requires the services of an attorney at some point in their lifetime. Therefore, it is not surprising that attorneys and lawyers top the 'Most Wanted' list in Seattle as residents need to get their legal issues handled. Finding the right Seattle attorney does not have to be an uphill battle if you know the secrets and you have a plan. With so many Seattle attorneys to choose from, below are a few “secrets” to help you make the right choice!
“Need to Know” Secret #1 – Where do I look to start my search?
- Recommendations of friends, family members, business associates and professional acquaintances.
- Suggestions from other attorneys in the area
- Advertisements in local newspapers and local magazines
- Yellow Pages
- Local Bar Association referrals
- The Seattle Attorney Referral Service
- The World Wide Web
“Need to Know” Secret #2 – How do I narrow my search to save time?
After accumulating your initial list of Seattle Attorneys that has undoubtedly been assembled from a variety of different sources, your next step is to narrow the list down to those attorneys that practice a specialty which is relevant to your legal issue. Review those areas of law practiced by the Seattle attorneys on your list and begin “crossing off” those that do not appear to be a likely match with your legal problem.
Once you have restricted your Seattle attorney list to those practicing a specific type of law, begin the next step which is to narrow the list to those attorneys that are geographically convenient to where you live or work. Seattle is a major metropolitan area and law firms will be spread across the metroplex, many perhaps in areas that are not particularly convenient for you. You may even want to use MapQuest.com to judge distances and traffic time projections.
“Need to Know” Secret #3 – How will I be able to feel confident in my choice?
Starting with your final narrowed list of Seattle attorneys, the last step is to conduct phone or in person interviews of the remaining attorneys. First, the interviews should immediately determine if the attorney at hand can and is interested in handling your legal issue. Second, is the fee structure for that law firm within your budget so that retaining the attorney is a smart financial decision for you? Third, and very much an “intangible”, ask yourself how you felt about the conversation or interview. Do you feel confident placing your legal matter in the hands of the attorney? Do you feel that the attorney will be both effective and caring? These are important questions because an attorney/client relationship is one based in trust and confidence. You must feel the Seattle attorney you select will be efficient, effective and concerned about you as a new prospective client.
