How to Find the Best Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve found yourself in a legal pickle, and now you need a lawyer. Great. But, of course, not just any lawyer will do. You need the best lawyer. But how do you find that one magical legal unicorn in a sea of ads, billboards, and suspiciously persuasive TV commercials? Fear not, because we, at The S.E. Farris Law Firm in St. Louis, are here to guide you through the process of finding the perfect lawyer. And no, we don’t mean the one with the giant flashy sign on the freeway (we all know that’s a red flag).
We say advertisements are a red flag for a couple of reasons. First, a firm with a big television budget will have lot of expense to run the ads. That tends to cause the firm to try to settle cases quickly to keep money coming in, and a fast settlement isn’t always the best settlement for a client. Anyone can settle a case for pennies on the dollar!
Secondly, many firms that advertise in our area aren’t even from here! Their home office may be in another county or even another state. The practice of law is regional, meaning you are best served by an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the jurisdiction.
Finally, big law firms don’t always provide the best service for a client. Think about the difference in a McDonald’s hamburger vs a local steak house. Both might fill you up but one is a much more individualized and personal experience.
Step 1: Do Some Actual Research (Don’t Just Google “Best Lawyer Near Me”)
Look, we get it. Google is your best friend. You type in “best lawyer near me” and expect to see a list of highly qualified professionals. But just because a lawyer has an ad that’s plastered all over St. Louis doesn’t mean they’re the best. For all you know, that person might be a personal injury lawyer who specializes in suing people for slipping on bananas—although, that is a very specific talent.
Instead of relying on Google alone, do a little digging. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or that one cousin who knows a guy who knows a guy. Personal recommendations are great, but be sure to check online reviews, too. Trust us, you’ll want to look for a lawyer with a solid track record—not someone who has more bad reviews than your least favorite fast-food joint.
Step 2: Consider Specialization (No, You Don’t Need a “Jack-of-All-Trades”)
Here’s the thing: lawyers aren’t all the same. You wouldn’t go to a cardiologist if you had a broken leg, right? So, why would you hire a criminal defense lawyer to handle your divorce? Find a lawyer who focuses their practice on the area of law that matches your problem. That’s the whole point of hiring a professional!
A divorce lawyer knows the ins and outs of family law and doesn’t waste time arguing about whether the parking ticket you got last week is worth fighting. Similarly, if you’re dealing with a car accident claim, you don’t need a tax lawyer. You need someone who’s seen more accident reports than the local police.
Step 3: Experience is Everything (But So Is Knowing What You’re Doing)
Okay, so now you’re looking at lawyers with the right experience. But here’s the thing—experience isn’t just about how long they’ve been in business. It’s about how much experience they have in cases like yours. A lawyer might have 30 years of experience, but if they’ve spent the last decade handling real estate transactions and never seen a courtroom, you might want to reconsider hiring them.
Look for someone who has real-world experience in the specific type of case you’re dealing with. Bonus points if they’ve dealt with cases in your local court system (like St. Louis and the surrounding counties). Familiarity with local judges, procedures, and the legal landscape can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
Step 4: Communication Skills Matter More Than You Think (No One Likes a Lawyer Who Talks Like a Robot)
Just because a lawyer has a bunch of degrees doesn’t mean they’re a good communicator. In fact, some lawyers are downright terrible at explaining complex legal jargon. Sure, they know the law, but you’re not hiring them for a dictionary—you’re hiring them to help you understand what’s going on.
You need a lawyer who will explain things in simple terms (yes, we’re talking about English here) and keep you in the loop. If they make you feel more confused than when you started, it might be time to find someone else. Ditto if the lawyer doesn’t communicate with you at all. Injury attorneys don’t bill by the hour, so they keep unnecessary calls and letters to a minimum. It is still totally reasonable to expect to have your calls returned!
Here’s the deal: if your lawyer can’t explain your case without giving you a headache, how do you think they’re going to explain it to the judge? Communication is key, people. So don’t settle for anyone who sounds like they’ve just memorized a legal textbook and can’t relate to a real human being.
Step 5: Personal Connection (Yes, You’ll Be Spending a Lot of Time Together)
Look, we’re not saying you need to become best friends with your lawyer. But, let’s be real, this is a partnership. You’re going to be spending a fair amount of time with them, so it’s essential to find someone you can actually talk to. If you don’t feel comfortable chatting about your case (or anything, really) with your lawyer, it’s time to move on.
Also, a lawyer who listens to your concerns and makes you feel like they care? That’s priceless. Legal matters can be stressful, so it’s important to have someone who can balance professionalism with a bit of compassion (and, occasionally, a good sense of humor).
Step 6: Transparency on Fees (Because You Don’t Want a Bill That Feels Like a Scam)
Now for the fun part: the fees. Just like lawyers aren’t all the same, their pricing isn’t either. Some lawyers charge by the hour, while others work on contingency (meaning they only get paid if you win). Before you sign anything, make sure you fully understand the fee structure. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re going to pay a reasonable fee, only to find out you’re being hit with hidden charges that feel like a scam.
A good lawyer will be upfront about their fees and give you a clear breakdown. If they’re dodgy about money, that’s a major red flag. You don’t want a lawyer who’s going to end up costing you more than your case is worth. Don’t just assume that the big mega firms charge less, either. Some of the biggest law firms in town charge their clients more than the average- partly because of the advertising piece of the puzzle.
Step 7: Trust Your Gut (Seriously, Trust It)
After all the research, the interviews, and the consultations, you should have a pretty good idea of who the right lawyer is for you. But there’s one last thing to consider: your gut. If something feels off—whether it’s their attitude or the way they handle your questions—it’s time to trust that instinct and look elsewhere.
The right lawyer for you should inspire confidence, not dread.
Conclusion: Your Lawyer Search is Over (We Hope)
Finding the best lawyer might take a little time, but in the end, it’s totally worth it. Just remember: research, specialization, experience, communication, and a bit of gut feeling. Once you find that perfect match, you’ll be ready to face whatever legal challenge comes your way. And if you’re still unsure, The S.E. Farris Law Firm in St. Louis is always here to help—without the gimmicks and with all the expertise.