Finding the Best Attorney in Houston, Texas
The number of lawyers in the US has increased by 14.5% within the past decade. If you’re looking for a lawyer, it helps to learn how to narrow down your options. Otherwise, you could spend time searching for a while.
The statute of limitations on your case could lapse if you don’t file a lawsuit right away.
Here are the eight tips you need to find the best attorney in Houston, Texas. With these tips, you can narrow down your options. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the best attorney is at your side.
Don’t rush to hire the first lawyer you come across. Find an experienced professional you can trust with these tips today.
1. Ask Your Inner Circle
First, take the time to speak with your friends and family members. Have any of them hired a lawyer in the past? Ask if they can recommend a law firm you can research further.
Take the time to ask about their experience with each lawyer, too. For example, did they experience any issues? Were they satisfied with the service they received?
Think about the type of legal situation you’re in right now. Do you need a family law attorney or help after a car crash? Maybe you need a real estate attorney or divorce attorney instead.
Speak with a friend or family member who was in a similar situation.
Ask how they handled the situation and which lawyer they worked with. You can learn from their first-hand experience.
If you don’t know a friend or family member who worked with the type of lawyer you need, that’s okay. Instead, head online and search for the type of lawyer you need. You can also use directories like the Hubbel-Martindale directory.
Then, make a list of lawyers to research further.
2. Look for Experience
First, it’s important to find a professional that’s practiced law over the years. People learn from hands-on experience. Finding an experienced lawyer will help you find someone capable and knowledgeable.
Make sure to find a lawyer that’s practiced in Houston for a few years, too. Laws can differ based on your location. You’ll want to find someone who has experience trying local cases.
Are they up-to-date with the latest laws, procedures, and cases relevant to your lawsuit? Is their license up-to-date? Check your local bar association website to double-check.
Choosing someone with the experience and expertise you need will give you peace of mind.
3. Consider Their Specialty
In order to find the best attorney in Houston, Texas, you need to consider your distinct needs.
Consider what type of lawyer you’re looking for. If you’re searching for a personal injury attorney, narrow it down further. For example, personal injury lawyers handle cases like:
- Auto accidents (hit-and-runs, truck accidents, car accidents, Uber accidents, motorcycle accidents, etc.)
- Medical malpractice (surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, etc.)
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
You can discover more here.
Look for a lawyer who has years of experience in their specialty. A lawyer with years of experience will understand the complexities of your case. They’ll have the know-how necessary to build your lawsuit.
How many cases like yours have they tried over the years? What was the outcome of those cases?
If they don’t have experience with your specific type of case, keep searching.
4. Ask for References and Reviews
Every lawyer will try to convince you that they’re the best in Houston. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, speak with some of their recent clients.
Ask each attorney on your list for references and reviews. Speaking with their clients will help you learn about each lawyer’s abilities.
Was the client satisfied with the services they received? Would they recommend you choose another lawyer? Why?
You can learn from each client’s experience to avoid regretting your choice of an attorney later on.
Check the lawyer’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listing for reviews, too.
5. Check Their Track Record
Before you file a lawsuit, it helps to know you have a winner at your side. Otherwise, the attorney you choose might struggle with your case.
How many cases has the lawyer won this past year? Ask how much they received for each settlement.
Ask if the lawyer prefers settling cases out of court, too.
You don’t want to choose someone who’s apprehensive about going to court. Instead, make sure to find someone capable of achieving your goals.
6. Schedule a Consultation
Once you narrow down your options, schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Make a list of questions you want to ask beforehand. For example, you can discuss their:
- Experience and expertise with your specific type of case
- Availability
- Contract
- Pricing
- Success rate
- References
- Professional network
Is the lawyer available to take on your case? If they already have a busy caseload, scratch them off your list. You want to find someone who can dedicate their time to your lawsuit.
7. Consider Their Skill Set
As you speak with each attorney, pay attention to how they speak.
Do they have strong communication skills? Remember, this lawyer will speak on your behalf. You’ll want to choose someone who sounds confident and convincing.
Do they have an analytical mindset? Your attorney will need to listen to opposing counsel before coming up with a counter-argument. Otherwise, they might struggle to win your case.
8. Review the Contract
Ask each lawyer on your list for a copy of their contract. What’s included in the cost? What fee structure do they use?
The annual average wage for a lawyer is $148,910. Make sure you understand what’s included before paying for their services.
If you need a personal injury attorney, they might work on a contingency fee basis. Lawyers that work on a contingency fee will only take payment if they win your case. If they do win, they’ll receive a percentage of your settlement.
Make sure you understand what’s included in the contract before signing on the dotted line.
Start Searching: 8 Tips for Finding the Best Attorney in Houston, Texas
Don’t choose the first attorney you come across in Houston, Texas. Instead, use these eight tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you’ll feel confident in your choice of representation.
You can then win your lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.
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