Chances are that, at some point in your life, you'll need a lawyer. It may be because you want to draft a will, or subdivide your property. Hopefully, it's not because you were injured in a car crash, need a divorce, or have been disinherited. Whatever the circumstance, taking the time to find the right lawyer should involve more than a tour of the Yellow Pages.
At Greig, Wilson & Rasmussen LLP, we know that we can't serve everyone. We do not handle criminal cases, and we always refer complex tax litigation to other counsel. We do, however, offer excellence in law within certain fields, and we pride ourselves on efficiency.
If you come to our firm seeking assistance with a real estate matter, a corporate commercial matter, a divorce, car accident, or trust case, we can help. In fact, we're so certain that our service will satisfy, that we invite all clients to shop carefully for "the right lawyer" before hiring us.
One reason for taking time to find counsel is that it's often difficult to change later. Making a good decision early is important.
If you aren't able to communicate with your lawyer, you should know that at the outset.
You have options. In British Columbia, there are 10,000 lawyers. Finding counsel to act for you is not difficult, so you should take time to insure that you've made a wise selection.
Remember that the relationship with your lawyer is one based on trust and mutual respect. A lawyer isn't your friend, business partner, or counselor, but he or she must be able to listen, and to explain.
Here are some "tips" to assist in finding the right lawyer:
- interview several lawyers before you choose. The right lawyer for your friend may not be the right lawyer for you. Most lawyers like to talk (and about themselves) so make some inquiries. Some firms offer free initial consultations;
- know that there is no "best lawyer" just as there is no "best goalie", "best car", or "best dentist". Be prepared to listen to the candidates you meet, and consider the options, and trust your instincts;
- take your time. Unless you have a true "emergency", plan to spend some time interviewing and thinking about your options. It's easier to spend two days selecting good counsel than it is to change counsel part way through your case;
- do not hire a lawyer because he or she is tall, well dressed, handsome, pretty, or nice. Get someone who inspires confidence, and who you can communicate with;
- do ask your friends, co-workers, and family for recommendations, but make your own decision, based on your conclusions;
- when you meet with prospective lawyers, ask them for referrals. Experienced lawyers know other experienced lawyers, and won't be afraid to name competitors in the field;
- when you have your initial consultation, remember that the lawyer is not your counselor, psychologist, accountant, or pal. Also, do not expect the lawyer to solve all your problems and answer every question at the first meeting. Get some information about the lawyer (experience, credentials, approach, charges, etc) and then go. Decide what to do after the interview;
- do talk about money up front, and do plan to pay for work that's going to be necessary. Getting that straight at the outset is important;
- once you make your decision, and hire your lawyer, follow the advice you are paying for. Don't retain counsel and then take advice from the hairdresser;
- Don't hire a lawyer just because his or her office is "close". Law isn't convenient. Most clients see their counsel between 3 and 10 times, so travel isn't a big deal.
Finally, if you need a lawyer, get one. Forget the jokes about lawyers, and get proper, sensible, reasonable advice, and take it. And take this article to those interviews.
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