What Is Important To Do Before Selecting A Lawyer?

Discover crucial steps to take before hiring a lawyer in Utah. Understand your legal needs, research attorneys, evaluate their qualifications, and make an informed decision.

What Is Important To Do Before Selecting A Lawyer?

When faced with legal issues, hiring the right lawyer becomes crucial. Whether you’re grappling with a personal injury case, family law matters, or a business dispute, choosing a competent attorney can determine the outcome of your case. In Utah, the considerations might slightly vary due to state-specific laws and regulations. This article will guide you through essential steps to take before you select a lawyer, ensuring that you make an informed and confident decision.

Understanding Your Legal Needs

Before you start your search for a lawyer, it’s important to clearly understand your legal needs. Different legal issues require different types of expertise. Are you dealing with a criminal charge? Are you in the midst of a divorce? Do you need assistance with drafting a will? Each scenario demands a lawyer with specialized skill sets.

Types of Lawyers

There are several types of lawyers, each specializing in different areas of law. Here are a few examples:

• Criminal Defense Lawyers: Handle cases involving criminal charges.
• Family Lawyers: Deal with matters like divorce, custody, and adoption.
• Personal Injury Lawyers: Specialize in cases involving injuries from accidents or negligence.
• Estate Planning Lawyers: Help with wills, trusts, and estate planning.

Researching Potential Lawyers

Once you identify your legal needs, the next step is researching potential lawyers. Utah has numerous legal resources to assist you in this process. Utilize online tools and local directories to find lawyers who specialize in the area of law relevant to your case.

Online Resources

Websites such as Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Utah State Bar’s official website provide invaluable information about attorneys, including client reviews, peer ratings, and disciplinary records. They are excellent starting points for your research.

Local Directories

Don’t overlook local directories such as the Salt Lake County Bar Association directory as they often list experienced lawyers who practice within your community. These directories can provide insights into the local legal landscape, offering a more specific pool of candidates.

Checking Qualifications and Experience

Once you’ve identified some potential lawyers, it’s essential to verify their qualifications and experience. You want to ensure that the lawyer you choose is not only licensed but also well-versed in the specific legal area relevant to your case.

Licensure and Bar Status

All practicing attorneys in Utah must be licensed by the Utah State Bar. You can verify a lawyer’s status on the Utah State Bar’s website. This will inform you if the attorney is in good standing or if they have faced disciplinary actions.

Relevant Experience

Experience can heavily influence the outcome of your case. Look for lawyers who have a proven track record handling cases similar to yours. For instance, if you need help with a personal injury claim, find lawyers who specialize in personal injury law and have successfully handled similar cases.

Case Example: Personal Injury Law

In personal injury law, Utah adheres to a comparative negligence rule under Utah Code § 78B-5–818. This means that if you are partly responsible for your injuries, your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer would understand this nuance and strategize accordingly to maximize your claim.

Setting up Initial Consultations

Initial consultations are crucial opportunities to evaluate potential lawyers. Many attorneys offer a free consultation, which allows you to discuss your case and ask questions without financial commitment.

Preparing for the Consultation

Before your consultation, prepare a list of questions and gather all relevant documents. This preparation will help you articulate your legal issue clearly and assess the lawyer’s capability to handle your case.

Key Questions to Ask

Here are some essential questions to ask during the initial consultation:

• What is your experience with cases like mine?
• What are your fees and how are they structured?
• What is your strategy for my case?
• How long do you expect my case to take?
• Who will be handling my case day-to-day?

Evaluating Lawyer-Client Compatibility

The relationship between you and your lawyer is paramount. You want someone who not only has the legal expertise but also someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive details.

Communication Style

Effective communication is key. Pay attention to the lawyer’s communication style during the consultation. Are they listening to you? Do they explain legal jargon in understandable terms? Clear communication fosters trust and ensures that you are always informed about the status of your case.

Availability

Availability is another crucial factor. You need a lawyer who will be available to answer your inquiries and provide updates. Discuss their current caseload and ensure they have the time to dedicate to your case.

Discussing Fees

Understanding the fee structure upfront can prevent unforeseen financial burdens. Legal fees can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the billing method.

Fee Structures

Different lawyers have different ways of billing their clients:

• Hourly Rate: Common for many types of legal work.
• Flat Fee: Often used for routine services like drafting a will.
• Contingency Fee: Used primarily in personal injury cases, where the lawyer gets a percentage of the settlement if you win.
• Retainer Fee: An upfront cost to secure the lawyer’s services.

Utah-Specific Consideration: Fee Limits in Certain Cases

In Utah, lawyers handling medical malpractice cases must adhere to fee limits as stipulated in Utah Code § 78B-3–411, which caps attorney fees on a sliding scale, ensuring clients receive a fair amount from their compensation.

Understanding Legal Rights and Protections

Being aware of your legal rights and protections empowers you to make informed decisions. Utah has specific laws designed to protect your rights in various legal scenarios.

Consumer Protection Laws

Utah has robust consumer protection laws to shield residents from fraud and unfair business practices. Under the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act (Utah Code § 13–11), consumers have the right to sue businesses for deceptive practices. Knowledge of such laws can be crucial if your legal issue involves consumer rights.

Family Law Rights

In family law matters, understanding your rights is essential. Utah’s laws, like the Utah Uniform Parentage Act (Utah Code § 78B-15), give you the right to establish paternity, impacting child support and custody decisions.

Common Misconceptions About Lawyers

Various myths and misconceptions cloud people’s judgment when selecting a lawyer. Dispelling these can help you make more informed decisions.

Myth: The Most Expensive Lawyer Is the Best

Cost does not always equate to quality. High fees might reflect prestige or a lawyer’s market demand more than their suitability for your specific case. It’s crucial to assess a lawyer’s experience and track record rather than relying solely on cost.

Myth: Lawyers Can Guarantee Outcomes

Lawyers can strategize and advocate, but they cannot guarantee outcomes. An ethical lawyer will provide a realistic assessment of your case’s prospects, helping you understand likely scenarios without making unfounded promises.

Real-World Scenarios to Illustrate Legal Concepts

Understanding legal principles can be daunting, but real-world examples can help clarify them. Here’s a scenario demonstrating the application of comparative negligence in Utah.

Scenario: Car Accident Case

Imagine you’re involved in a car accident in Salt Lake City and found to be 30% at fault for the incident. According to Utah’s comparative negligence law (Utah Code § 78B-5–818), your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if your damages are valued at $10,000, you will receive $7,000. An experienced personal injury lawyer will navigate these intricacies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Practical Tips to Enhance Your Decision-Making

Make a Shortlist

Narrow down your choices to a shortlist of three to five lawyers based on your research and consultations.

Trust Your Instinct

Your comfort level with a lawyer can be as important as their qualifications. Trust your instincts when making the final decision.

Seek Recommendations

Personal recommendations from friends or family can be invaluable. They offer firsthand insights into the lawyer’s capabilities and client service.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision Matters

Selecting the right lawyer in Utah requires a blend of research, consultation, and intuition. By understanding your legal needs, researching potential lawyers, checking their qualifications and experience, and addressing compatibility and costs, you empower yourself to make a well-informed decision that can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

For those who find these guidelines helpful, feel free to clap, leave a comment, and subscribe to our Medium newsletter for more legal insights. To speak with a lawyer, call attorney Jeremy Eveland.

Jeremy Eveland
8833 S Redwood Rd
West Jordan Utah 84088
(801) 613–1472

Click here to find us on Google Maps

The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal advice, hire a competent lawyer in your jurisdiction.

What is important to do before selecting a lawyer?