How to Choose a Lawyer in Mount Pleasant

A New York City study showed that, when it comes to eviction cases, those defendants with lawyers win 90% of the time. Those without legal representation, on the other hand, win only 50% of the time. If this doesn’t highlight the importance of having an attorney, then nothing will.

Now, you’re suitably convinced. But what you might be wondering is: how do you find a lawyer that’s right for you?

There are several things to consider when hiring a lawyer, all of which we’re going to discuss below. Here is how to choose a lawyer in Mount Pleasant.

Search Online

First and foremost, you should search for Mount Pleasant lawyers online. This can be done through Google, Bing, or some other search engine. Just enter “lawyers near me,” and a long list of options should pop up.

Next to each of these options, you should see star ratings, not to mention reviews from past clients. Use these ratings and reviews to form opinions on different lawyers. Then, narrow the number of lawyers down to 3 to 5 favorites.

These 5 to 7 favorites will serve as your pool of potential choices. You’ll compare them against one another when considering the following advice.

Make Sure They’re Experienced in Your Kind of Case

There are all sorts of legal issues that a person can stumble into. Whether it’s planning an estate, trying to win custody of kids, or defending yourself against a charge, you need a lawyer who’s familiar with your specific kind of case. As such, you need to ensure that your chosen lawyer does, indeed, have experience in such cases.

Most lawyers specialize in one or several niches. For instance, there are family law lawyers, real estate lawyers, and the like. There are very few lawyers who are generalists; you’ll usually only find these types in very small towns.

Generally speaking, lawyers note their specialties on their respective websites. So, check out the website of every lawyer on your list and see whether or not that lawyer caters to your needs. If not, you should write them off instantly; there’s no use in hiring a lawyer who’s not familiar with your style of case.

Ask About Rates

When it comes to hiring a lawyer, costs can vary greatly. Whereas a new lawyer might charge only $75 an hour, a seasoned and successful lawyer could charge $250 an hour.

It’s generally worth paying a decent amount of money to secure the services of a proven lawyer. That said, you shouldn’t put yourself in financial dire straits unless, of course, you’re facing dire consequences.

So, before signing anything, make sure to ask about each individual lawyer’s rates. Also, ask about how they charge. This will give you a good idea of what you’ll owe and will enable you to hire someone in an informed manner.

Speak With Them Personally

Regardless of what you need them for, you’re going to be working with your lawyer very closely. You’re probably going to be discussing delicate things about your personal life as well. As such, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with your lawyer.

How can you ensure that you and your lawyer will have a decent rapport? By calling them up and speaking with them on the phone. Call them up, inform them of the basics of what you need, ask questions, and get a feel for how they interact with you.

If you feel uncomfortable, you should probably just move on to the next option. If instead, you feel a sense of comfort, then it’s probably the right lawyer for you.

See Proof of Credentials

It doesn’t matter what types of lawyers you’re looking for; you need to make sure that they possess the correct credentials. These credentials indicate not only that a lawyer is legally allowed to practice law but that they have the education and experience necessary to do a sufficient job.

First and foremost, make sure that the lawyer has a law degree. You might even consider asking for proof of this degree.

Then, ask if they’re licensed in the state. You can use this tool to determine whether their licensure is legitimate.

Finally, ask about specific experiences in cases like yours. If the lawyer doesn’t have specific experiences to speak of, you should probably go with someone else.

Make Sure They’re Available

Lawyers aren’t always accepting new clients. And while some may not be able to help you right now, they might very well be able to help you in a few weeks or months. This is why, when choosing a lawyer, you need to make sure that they’re available.

Your chosen lawyer should be enthusiastic about helping you. You shouldn’t have to convince them to provide you with their services. If they’re at all resistant to helping you, whether it be due to a large caseload, a lack of experience in your type of situation, or otherwise, you should look elsewhere.

You want an attorney who will be all-in with you, not an attorney who is reticent to help to begin with.

Looking for a Reputable Lawyer in Mount Pleasant?

If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you need a reputable lawyer in Mount Pleasant. If so, look no further. McGrath Law Firm has you covered.

Our lawyers specialize in many different types of law, from family law to corporate law to estate law to real estate law and more. We work closely with each one of our clients, ensuring the best results for every case we encounter.