Choosing a good lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time hiring one. The stakes are high, the terminology is unfamiliar and the pressure to make the right choice can be intense.
What Makes a Good Lawyer: Traits and Trust Signals
While there is no single formula for the best type of lawyer for your case, certain traits and signs of a good lawyer can guide your decision. As you begin your search, keep in mind the following qualities:
1. Relevant experience
Choosing the right lawyer means identifying someone with substantial experience handling similar matters. For instance, an attorney who excels in personal injury cases will not be the best choice for a complex business dispute. Ask specifically about their track record with cases like yours, including outcomes and challenges they have encountered.
2. Specialization matters
Law is highly specialized, with distinct practice areas requiring different expertise. Even within a single field, lawyers often focus on specific niches. For example, a real estate attorney who handles closings may not be the right fit for a landlord-tenant dispute. To find the best type of lawyer for your case, look for legal practitioners who focus their practice on your specific area of need.
3. Clear communication skills
A good lawyer will explain complex legal concepts in plain language you can understand. They should respond promptly to your calls and emails and set clear expectations about communication frequency and methods.
4. Transparent fee structure
Trustworthy attorneys are upfront about their billing methods and costs. They should clearly explain whether they charge hourly rates, flat fees or contingency fees and provide detailed information about any additional expenses you might incur.
5. Realistic guidance
Be cautious of lawyers who promise guaranteed outcomes. The best attorneys help you understand the risks involved so you can make informed decisions based on realistic assessments of your situation. A good lawyer should discuss both potential positive and negative outcomes.
6. Verified credentials
To tell if a lawyer is legit, always verify if they are licensed to practice in your jurisdiction and check their standing with the state bar association. Look for additional credentials, such as board certifications or peer-reviewed recognition like inclusion in Best Lawyers, which lists only attorneys recognized by their professional peers.
7. Strong client reviews
While client testimonials shouldn’t be your primary deciding factor, they can provide valuable insights into patterns of behavior. Look for consistent themes in reviews about communication, professionalism and results. Pay attention to how the lawyer responds to negative feedback.
8. Client-first mindset
The best lawyers show genuine empathy and actively listen to your concerns. They treat you as a collaborative partner in your case, not just another file number. They respect your time, are prepared for meetings and understand the stress legal issues can cause.
Where to Start Your Attorney Search
Choosing the right lawyers starts with knowing where to search. Instead of Googling "trusted lawyer near me," look to one or more of these reliable resources:
Personal referrals
Recommendations from friends, family members or colleagues who have had positive experiences with lawyers can be an excellent starting point, providing insight into an attorney’s communication style, work quality and results. However, remember that every case is different, so you still need to verify that your chosen counselor has experience relevant to your specific situation.
State and local bar associations
Each state has a bar association that can verify whether a lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Many bar associations also offer referral services to connect you with attorneys based on your location and type of legal issue.
Employer and union legal plans
Employer or union-sponsored legal benefits provide a cost-effective way to connect with a good lawyer. These plans often provide services at reduced rates or include certain types of legal help as part of your benefits package. You’ll just need to confirm what types of cases are covered and whether you can choose your own attorney.
Court and government resources
Local courts, legal aid societies and government agencies often maintain lists of attorneys who provide services to the public. For those with limited financial means, pro bono programs can connect you with legal practitioners willing to provide free representation. These resources are particularly valuable if you're looking for a good lawyer for family law, immigration or housing matters.
Reputable legal directories
Online legal directories can be valuable research tools as long as they verify credentials and offer meaningful information about attorney qualifications. Best Lawyers, for example, lists only peer-reviewed lawyers recognized by other attorneys in their field for professional excellence, providing an additional layer of credibility beyond basic licensing information.
When using any directory, look for detailed profiles that include practice areas, experience levels, education and recognition by professional organizations. Be cautious of directories that don't verify the information they publish or allow lawyers to purchase enhanced listings without merit-based criteria.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer
To find the best lawyer for your case, schedule consultations with at least two or three counselors. This gives you a basis for comparison and helps ensure you’re making an informed choice. Some good questions to ask a lawyer before hiring include:
- Do you regularly handle cases like mine? Look for specific examples and ask about their success rate with similar matters.
- What is your general approach to this kind of matter? Understanding their strategy helps you evaluate whether their style aligns with your goals. Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on negotiation and settlement.
- How do you charge and will I get a written fee agreement? Get detailed information about billing methods, hourly rates, retainer requirements and estimated total costs. A written fee agreement protects both parties and prevents misunderstandings.
- What is included in your fee and what costs extra? Many legal matters involve additional expenses like court filing fees, expert witnesses or document production costs. Understanding these potential expenses upfront helps you budget appropriately.
- Will I work directly with you or another team member? In larger firms, your case might be handled primarily by associates or paralegals. Clarify who will do the work and their qualifications.
- How will we communicate and how often? Establish expectations for regular updates, preferred communication methods and response times for your questions.
- What is the next step if I move forward? Insight into the immediate action plan allows you to evaluate a lawyer’s approach to your case.
What to Watch Out for Hiring a Lawyer
How do you know if your lawyer is trustworthy? As you search for legal representation, there are signs to watch for that can help you steer clear of concerns and make a confident choice:
Guarantees specific results
No ethical lawyer can guarantee specific outcomes in legal matters. There are too many variables to consider, including opposing parties, judges and changing circumstances. Be suspicious of any attorney who promises you’ll definitely win or receive a specific settlement amount.
Vague about fees
A refusal to discuss costs or provide written fee agreements is a sure warning sign. Transparency about fees and costs is both an ethical requirement and a sign of professionalism.
High-pressure tactics
Reputable attorneys understand that hiring a lawyer is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Be wary of those who pressure you to sign agreements immediately or claim their services are urgently needed to avoid a disaster.
Unverifiable credentials
If you cannot easily verify a lawyer's bar admission, education or claimed experience, proceed with caution. Legitimate attorneys have verifiable professional histories and maintain current licenses.
Consistently negative review patterns
While isolated complaints shouldn't necessarily disqualify an attorney, a consistent pattern of negative feedback about communication problems, billing disputes or unprofessional behavior should raise concerns.
Cost and Payment Considerations
Having a clear understanding of legal fees and payment structures allows you to budget appropriately and avoid surprises. A lawyer may use one of several billing methods, depending on the type of case and your specific needs:
- Retainer: For complex or ongoing matters, lawyers often require a retainer — an upfront payment that goes into a trust account and is drawn against as work is performed.
- Hourly rate: Also common for complex matters, an hourly rate allows an attorney to charge for the time spent working on your case. According to the American Bar Association, hourly rates typically range from $100 to $400, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: Flat fees are often used for routine legal matters, such as drafting a simple will or handling an uncontested divorce.
- Contingency fee: Common in personal injury cases, this arrangement means the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or judgment.
- Hybrid arrangements: Some lawyers use more than one fee structure, such as charging a lower hourly rate combined with a contingency fee, to suit the specifics of a case.
The lowest fee doesn’t always represent the best value. An experienced attorney who resolves your matter efficiently may cost less overall than a less expensive one who takes longer or achieves poor results. When evaluating legal fees and costs, always consider a lawyer's track record and the potential consequences of a negative outcome.
Moving Forward After You've Found the Right Lawyer
Once you’ve identified the right lawyer for your case, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your partnership gets off to a strong start:
1. Confirm everything in writing
Review and sign a written fee agreement outlining the scope of work, billing methods, payment terms and responsibilities for both parties. Keep a copy of the agreement and other important documents in your files.
2. Gather essential documents
Provide your lawyer with all relevant paperwork, evidence, correspondence and other materials as quickly as possible. Organized documentation saves time and reduces costs while giving your attorney the complete picture they need.
3. Clarify the communication plan
Reconfirm how and when you'll receive case updates and the best methods for reaching your lawyer with questions. Clear communication protocols prevent misunderstandings and ensure you stay informed about your case's progress.
4. Set realistic expectations
Work with your attorney to understand possible outcomes, likely timelines and factors that could affect your case. Realistic expectations help you make better decisions and reduce anxiety as you navigate the legal process.
5. Stay actively engaged
Respond promptly to your lawyer’s requests for information, documents or decisions. Your active participation often directly affects both the efficiency and outcome of your legal matter.
Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing a Lawyer
Best Lawyers removes the uncertainty from hiring a good lawyer.
Compiled through a rigorous peer-review process, our comprehensive directory lists only attorneys recognized by other leading lawyers in their field. Searchable by practice area and location, Best Lawyers makes it easy to connect with highly qualified legal professionals capable of meeting your needs.
Visit our Find a Lawyer page and start your search today.
