What should you consider before you look for a lawyer?
You have a problem and think you want a lawyer to represent you. First, think about whether you can resolve the situation to your satisfaction without hiring an attorney. Often, the answer is yes, you can.
Many companies and public utilities offer customer service departments that effectively address consumer problems and complaints. If you think you've been ripped off in the marketplace, make a phone call or send a letter or email to the offending party or business before you contact a lawyer. Many state attorney general offices also have consumer protection departments.
If you have a problem with a regulated industry such as banking or insurance, contact the agency in your state responsible for overseeing that industry.
Community groups such as elder associations, civil rights groups and other organizations offer free legal help and information.
Some disputes may be resolved by using increasingly popular litigation alternatives such as mediation or arbitration. Businesses and individuals might agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) rather than court action to resolve legal conflicts.
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How quickly should you consult a lawyer?
Sometimes you have lots of time to consider your alternatives. In other situations, you need to act quickly. If prosecutors have accused you of a crime, or law enforcement authorities are questioning you about your involvement in a serious criminal matter, consult a lawyer immediately. Similarly, if you receive a summons and complaint naming you as a defendant in a lawsuit, don't delay.
Keep in mind that if you've been injured in an accident, there are time limits on your right to file a lawsuit. These "statutes of limitation" vary greatly from state to state and depend upon the facts and type of each case. In some instances the law requires a claimant to notify potential defendants about any injury within an extremely short period of time – as little as a few weeks or months.
In certain cases if you sit on your rights, you could lose them. You might have been angry for years over your neighbor's fence encroaching on part of your property. But if you wait too long without taking some legal action, the law might give your neighbor the right to leave the fence there permanently.
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What type of lawyer do you need?
You want to hire an attorney with expertise in your type of case or matter. Some attorneys specialize in just one type of law. Others handle a wide range of matters. If your company is going belly-up, consult a bankruptcy lawyer. For advice on estate planning, hire an attorney experienced in estate law.
Knowing a bit about the law will help you become a smarter legal consumer. From agricultural law to zoning and land use, from family law to taxation and more, lawyers.com provides basic law concepts which all good law-abiding citizens should understand.
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Where should you begin?
Right here! Somehow you've found your way to our website and you're in exactly the right place to find a reputable attorney in Arizona. While the majority of attorneys are in the Phoenix areas, you'll find most areas of the state represented here.
You were smart not to simply call the lawyer with the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages or the repetitive television and radio commercials. Trustworthy referrals are the best way to hire a lawyer.
The lawyers listed on Arizona's Finest Lawyers are experts in their respective practice areas. Each has been invited to participate in this honorary group based on a selection process by their peers that takes into consideration their experience, reputation, professional and community contributions.
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What's the next step?
Simply browse our listings. Each listing provides information on the kinds of cases the lawyer handles, as well as his or her resume. You'll know a lot about the lawyer before you call to find out if he or she is right for representing you.
Once you've zoomed in on a few lawyers or firms, it's time to telephone the office of each of your candidates. You might find it useful to sit down in advance and write a short summary of your case or situation. Don't hesitate to put together a list of questions you want to ask before hiring a lawyer.
Typically, you'll speak first with a receptionist or secretary. Here is an example of an initial inquiry:
"Hi, I've been fired from my job and I think it may be because of my age. I'd like to talk to an attorney about it."
"Does this attorney handle employment discrimination cases on behalf of employees?"
"How many employee discrimination cases has he or she handled?"
"Does he or she provide a free consultation to potential clients?"
"How long will it take me to get an appointment to discuss my case with this attorney?"
During your call, notice the courtesy of staffers you speak with. Feeling comfortable is an important part of your relationship with your lawyer's office.
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What about referrals from other lawyers?
If you contact a lawyer who doesn't handle your kind of case, he or she might be able to refer you to another attorney who does. Don't hesitate to ask about the referred attorney's legal experience and credentials, and if the referring attorney knows the referred attorney personally. If an attorney suggests a referral, you might ask if he or she is going to get a fee for the referral.
Before you hire any attorney, you should do your own "background check" on them. In addition to viewing their profile on this site, you may wish to review their files with the State Bar of Arizona to be certain they are properly licensed and to see if they have any history of disciplinary action that may be of concern to you.
It is common for the first lawyer you speak with in a firm to offer you the services of another attorney in the firm. In many law firms, different attorneys specialize in different areas of law. Keep in mind that attorneys are not required to accept cases or give referrals. They also need to verify that there is no conflict should they take on your case.
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How can you prepare for your consultation?
You might be nervous about meeting with an attorney for the first time, particularly if you've had little experience with the legal profession. It will help to make a list of points and questions you want to discuss. Feel free to include questions you asked initially on the telephone, like inquiring if the attorney has experience with cases such as yours.
A lawyer's willingness to explain procedures and answer questions may reveal something about his or her personality and the ability to interact with you in a manner that you find comfortable.
If you've been served with legal papers, bring them to the consultation along with all other important correspondence and relevant documents. Show the attorney originals or copies. Don't leave documents with an attorney unless you've decided to retain that attorney. And be sure to keep your own copies.
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How should you evaluate your consultation?
After the consultation, ask yourself these questions:
- Did the lawyer listen to you?
- Did the lawyer give you an honest evaluation of the pros and cons of your legal situation?
- Did he/she know the applicable laws affecting your case?
- Did the lawyer answer your questions about his/her education and experience without being offended that you asked?
- Did the lawyer give you complete information regarding fees and billing practices?
- Did you feel comfortable with her/his style and personality?
Be comfortable with the lawyer you hire. You want to choose the best lawyer you can afford who is experienced, competent, and willing to communicate. Hire a lawyer who'll work with you and not just for you.
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How can you be a good client?
A good attorney-client relationship is a two-way street. Take some simple steps to make sure that you're on the same page as your lawyer.
To help your lawyer help you, think through and tell the lawyer your objectives. Agree on some ground rules. Discuss the kind of approach you want your lawyer to take to resolve the matter. Let the lawyer know what your expectations are with regard to being kept informed of developments.
Don't hold back relevant information. Keep your lawyer informed of any developments on your end.
If you have any questions about billing, raise them immediately.
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What are the fees and costs?
The fees are dependent upon the type of case you have. For instance, personal injury cases are often handled on a "contingent fee" basis: the fee is a percentage of the settlement. If there is no settlement, there is no fee.
In other types of matters, for instance, drafting a will, there may be a flat fee. In still other cases, the lawyer may charge an hourly fee.
In addition, you may be billed for various expenses involved in your case, such as photocopying, postage, etc.
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What is the cost of a lawyer?
Fees charged by lawyers vary depending on practice area, the legal problem, and the lawyer's experience and expertise.
For exceptional cases of need, there are lawyers who may handle a case on a "pro bono" (free) basis.
What if the cost is too much? Click here for contact information for several low-cost legal service agencies.
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