Although there are a lot of jokes about lawyers, when it comes down to it, we really need their services! The legal system is set up in such a confusing way for the common man that getting through it is impossible without help. The following article can help you find the right lawyer and make it through.

Ask for a free consultation. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation, so you can have your questions answered. During the consultation, you can also see if you are comfortable with that lawyer. Always go to more than one free consultation so you have a good mix of lawyers to choose from.

You have a right to expect clear, consistent communication with your lawyer. He or she should be able to give you a general summery of what you can expect in terms of your case, as well as what potential issues might arise and what could be done to remedy these issues.

A lawyer with a proven track record with cases similar to yours is invaluable. The fact that an attorney specializes in handling cases like the one you have does not guarantee he will win yours. If you’re unable to quickly find the information you need online, ask the lawyer himself for it.

Wait to sign a contract with an attorney until you feel the situation is right. Request an estimate from the attorney so that you know approximately how many hours he or she intends on putting into the case. If the lawyer refuses, move on. A range is acceptable, but it is not fair if you have no idea what you are getting into.

Discuss clearly with the lawyer what his or her role will be in your case. You want to make sure that they will file all the paperwork that is necessary and explain things to you every step of the way. Keep a journal and note all your interactions with the lawyer in it. This might come in handy if you and the lawyer later disagree on what was said or done in your case.

Look for people who have experienced similar problems and ask them which lawyers they used. Your friends and relatives might be helpful but do not follow their suggestions unless you need a lawyer for the same kind of issues. Use the different resources available in your community, such as support groups.

Know just exactly how much opportunity cost you are giving up when choosing to go to court. Any case takes time, and just how much time depends a lot on the ability of your lawyer. If you choose a young lawyer to save money, you may find that the case takes many more weeks than if you had gone with someone more seasoned. Those weeks can be many hours of lost pay! Do your homework here and make sure the math works out for your choices.

No matter what your reasons for needing a lawyer, it’s important that you choose the best one for your situation. Hopefully this article has given you some useful insight on how to hire the right one. When you are between a rock and a hard place, a good lawyer makes all the difference.