There are several ways to go about finding an attorney, i.e. , referral services, personal referrals, and personal contact. Referral services are great in that many referral services can narrow down attorneys to the particular area of law that you are looking Personal referrals from friends and trusted people in the community who have used an attorney in the past serve as a great resource on what a particular attorney is like. The best method when searching for an attorney is to actually speak with an attorney personally. This will allow you to see how the attorney approaches certain issues but more importantly how he/she handles you, the client.
Experience in the practice of law
When meeting or speaking with an attorney, you will also want to see what type of experience they have in the area of law you are seeking. You will want to see if the area of law you are seeking is the only area of law they practice or if they practice in other areas of law as well.
Character
Next you will want to see what type of character the attorney has. This is important because you will want an attorney who matches your character as well. Some people want an attorney who is patient and kind who will pretty much hold you through the whole process. While some people would want an attorney who is straightforward and very aggressive. Also, some attorneys are willing to spend all day with you hearing your case, while other's will only give you a short period of time. So you, the client, will have to decide what type of attorney you will want in handling your case.
Trust
Trust is a big issue in hiring an attorney. If you cannot trust your attorney, no matter what they do for you, you the client, will never be satisfied. And never hire an attorney who makes promises or guarantees either, as no attorney can guarantee the result of any case.
Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
What determines Avvo Rating?
Experience & background
Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
Legal thought leadership
Publications, speaking engagements
Discipline
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in .
Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
