In the middle of a dispute, but don’t know who to call for advice on legal proceedings?

Hire a lawyer. 

Lawyers mediate various disagreements and resolve different conflicts between two or more parties. They advise individuals, businesses and agencies on legal disputes and matters, often representing them in a court of law. It is safe to hire a lawyer when working with any permissible entity and communicating legal transactions because it will ensure that all transactions are properly documented by a third party and both participants understand the issue at hand. 

But, the task of hiring a lawyer can seem daunting. Here are five things to do and ask when seeking a lawyer. 

1. View accreditation(s) 

If the lawyer works for a firm, then be sure to do research on the organization. It is advisable to read up on the firm’s accreditations because they will highlight which federal, national and state certifications have been awarded. Accreditations are important because they signify the credibility of the organization, and in most cases, give them the authority to practice what they claim. Although accreditations are not completely necessary, they legitimize the service of the firm and the work that they do. 

• Inquire about their specialties 

Seeking a lawyer for a specific type of issue? Ask the lawyer about his or her specialties. Each lawyer practices a different type of law, and you should be knowledgeable on a lawyer’s background when hiring. Some of the various practices include tax law, intellectual property law, bankruptcy law, real estate law and employment law. Understanding which type of law service you need comes in handy to hire the appropriate lawyer. 

• Prepare appropriate paperwork before meeting 

When preparing for a meeting with your chosen lawyer, be sure to have all of your paperwork in an organized file ready to go. Depending on the issue at hand, paperwork may differ on a case-by-case basis. When the issue deals with bankruptcy law, for instance, it might be helpful to gather the necessary legal documents on the business or entity in question. Bringing all paperwork to the meeting allows the lawyer to clearly assess the situation and appropriately evaluate the next steps. Having the paperwork prepared beforehand will help the meeting run smoothly and productively. 

• Ask about the lawyer’s rates and payment terms

Whether the lawyer is a practicing individual or working as part of a firm, it is worth discussing their costs. Some lawyers may charge on an hourly basis while others have a flat rate fee, but add on costs for additional meetings and procedures. Some lawyers also set their prices depending on the timeline for preparing and resolving a case.

• Timeline for resolving the issue 

How long will it take the lawyer to resolve the issue at hand? Will the lawyer take one month or one year? Assess the duration of time you are willing to be involved in your case. Sometimes, the dispute is a rather minor one that you would prefer to settle as soon as possible. Other times, the issue will significantly impact your entity, and you prefer to have it handled correctly, even if it takes a whole year. Analyze how much of an impact your situation will have on you or your entity, and decide how long you want to be invested with your lawyer in getting the correct settlement. 

Are you looking to hire a lawyer in Kentucky? At Deatherage, Myers & Lackey, we are happy to serve Hopkinsville and the surrounding areas. Reach out to our firm and we’re happy to provide you with all of the information mentioned above and answer any other questions you may have.