When it comes to picking the right lawyer in NYC, it can feel like an overwhelming task. With a city as big as ours, there are numerous options marketed and law firms around every corner. With so much legal help surrounding you, how does one choose the right lawyer? Today we are going to dive into some tips for choosing a lawyer that will meet your needs and be the best fit for your specific legal situation. Not all lawyers are alike, so be sure you keep all of the following in mind as you go about choosing the right NYC lawyer.
Start By Doing Your Research
The first thing you should do when choosing a lawyer in NYC is to make sure you invest plenty of time in the research process. There are countless law firms to pick from and while they may make strong claims about how aggressively they will fight for you or the myriad of ways they can assist you, take the time to research before choosing one lawyer based off of something you see on TV or hear on the radio. A good law firm should have a long-standing reputation and plenty of information about their services available.
During the research stage, take time to make notes about a few options you are considering. Record information about what areas of law they offer assistance in and what kind of client reviews they have. Avoid any law firms that lack an established presence in the city.
Pay Attention To What Areas Of Experience Are Offered
Different lawyers will have different areas of past experience. It is beneficial to look for a law firm where the attorneys have taken on similar cases to yours. For example, if you are hiring a lawyer to help you plan your estate, it makes sense to choose a law firm where the lawyers have handled many estate planning cases prior to yours. Some attorneys focus on one specific area of law, so be sure you look for someone who is focused on the area you need help with. It wouldn’t be as beneficial for you to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you with a real estate related case.
Take Time To Sit Down For A Consultation
After you have narrowed down your search, take the time to sit down for a consultation. This will be one of the most important steps you can take. During a consultation, you can get a better idea of how well the lawyer communicates, the way they treat you, and what their methodology is for handling a case like yours. Use this time to try to get to know the attorney better and to gain a deeper understanding of their practices. Remember, a consultation doesn’t mean you are required to now employ that attorney. This meeting will allow you both to determine if the relationship is the right one.
Observe How They Treat Your Case
From the first moment you reach out to a law firm, observe how they handle your case. Do they seem rushed and constantly in a hurry? Did they take the time to carefully listen to what you were saying? Pay attention to all the details of how they handle your case from the earliest points of contact. This will give you an idea of how much of a priority you will be going forward. Avoid working with lawyers who pressure you, make you feel like you are just one of many, or who don’t take the time to listen carefully to your needs.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
As you spend time choosing the right lawyer in NYC for your specific case, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your chance to gain a better understanding of what legal help you will receive from the attorney in question. You should feel free to ask questions and give your input. The attorney you hire should always have your best interest in mind and they should never make you feel uncomfortable for having inquiries about their advice.
Go With Your Gut
Finally, choosing the right lawyer is going to come down to your gut and intuition. You will be the one who spends time working with the lawyer in question, so ask yourself if the relationship feels like a good fit for you. All the research in the world can’t tell you whether or not you will mesh well with someone. You want a lawyer that puts you at ease, makes you feel heard, and can offer you the assistance you need. If you feel off-put by a law firm in any way, keep on looking. Finding the right lawyer will make all the difference in the world, especially if you need their services again in the future.
Here at Sutton Sachs Meyer, we strive to ensure that our clients feel like they have a great relationship with our team. We will be happy to work with you to determine if we are the right NYC lawyer for your needs. We never pressure clients to work with us but rather, we take the time to get to know each individual to determine if we will be the ideal fit for their needs. If you are looking for a NYC lawyer, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We will be happy to take the time to learn more about your situation and to help you determine if we can be of assistance to you. Contact us today to learn more about all our legal services.