Let’s get started. You typed in “local attorneys online near me” You probably expect to see a lot of people in suits, a lot of websites, and a lot of choices that make your eyes hurt. Not sure what will happen, right? You punch in your ZIP code, and all of a sudden there are a dozen lawyers in your yard. Who would have thought there were so many lawyers? It seems like they grew overnight.
You’re sitting there, maybe on your couch or at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee going cold. You realize that choosing isn’t as easy as pie. Every website shows a flawless picture, with happy personnel, clean offices, and services that say they can help with everything from parking tickets to company mergers. It’s too much. Do you want a tip? Don’t just pick the first one on the list. The perfect partner for your case might be on page three sometimes.
People who know you share stories. “Oh, I used this company once, and they called me ten times a day!” or “The dog walker who lived next door to my cousin had the same problem!” Is it useful? Maybe. Funny? Most of the time. But you—the one who has to make the call—have the best advise. You called three places and got three different answers? It goes along with the notion of being unpredictable.
There are differences between legal websites. Some look like a digital maze that you can’t get out of. Some sites look professional from the first click, while others don’t. You might talk to a bot before you talk to a real person. Sometimes, though, you get a gruff “Law Office, hello?” and you wonder if you’re bothering someone at lunch.
This is where you should put your attention: Get rid of the jargon. Check for costs ahead of time; no one enjoys a surprise bill. It’s fine to look at reviews, but also pay attention to how they talk to you. If they talk down to you, get rid of them right away. No one wants to feel stupid for asking “easy” questions.
Now that you can look at possibilities online, you are in charge. You can look around, compare, send a few messages, and choose someone you think is a good fit. Some will give you a free consultation. Do it. Don’t be shy; go ahead and ask the strange questions. “How will you keep me up to date?” “Can I talk to you or your assistant?” Their answers can sometimes tell you more than any showy bio ever could.
If you feel overwhelmed, try to focus on one area. Do you need help with a will? Maybe a fight between a landlord and a tenant? Every lawyer has their own strengths. Some people like to spend time in court, while others want to do paperwork. Say anything if you’re in a hurry. Pace is important.
One last thing: there isn’t a secret formula for choosing the proper legal counsel. These days, everything is mixed up: local, online, and nearby. You have options thanks to technology, but your intuition makes the final decision. Ask them tough questions about how they do things, how they charge, and how they explain things. At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust and the guts to ask what you really want to know. The law came to your door thanks to the internet. It’s your turn to make the next move.