How to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer to work with is about a number of things – as well as being experienced and skilled in the area of law you need, there are also personal attitudes, qualities and approaches that can make a lawyer a good fit for your case. These are some of the things you should consider to make sure you choose the best lawyer for your needs:

1. Determine what kind of lawyer you need. At Carter O’Neill Legal we understand that often you might not be sure “what area of law” you matter falls into, other times it is straightforward. We are upfront about the cases we take on – mainly Family Law, Estate Planning, Estate Disputes & Property Law (there are a few other areas we have expertise in). We also know what we don’t do, so if you are looking for someone in criminal or personal injury, we would refer you on. Lawyers generally specialise in certain fields (for example criminal law, employment law, family law). It’s best to find one that is an expert in the area you need advice in so they don’t use your case as a way to learn the area.
2. Look up the Lawyer Society – we often receive referrals this way. Feel free to check up on our credentials!
3. Look at online reviews, such as their company Facebook page, Google reviews etc. We love when our clients give us reviews, and know that it can help you find out how our firm works, before you engage us.
4. Get word-of-mouth referrals – we often obtain clients this way – speak to your friends and family. Find out if they have a lawyer whose services they would recommend.
5. Review the company website. Check out social media feeds, such as LinkedIn and Twitter to ensure the work you need fits into the areas the firm has expertise in. We use our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media to provide helpful information and updates to clients and followers. The information we provide on social media is for information purposes only – we give you up-to-date information that is easy to understand, but should also be able to show you if we work in the types of matter that you need assistance with.
6. Have a free 15-minute consult – we can take relevant information, do a conflict check, see if your matter is one we have expertise in, assess if we have the time capacity to deal with your matter, outline costs or request further information.
7. Once you have selected your lawyer, you will be required to sign an Costs Agreement about the legal fees involved and what work they we perform.