Choosing a Lawyer: Difference between revisions
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Most people use a lawyer only rarely, if ever. So if they need a lawyer, they often don't know how to find one. | Most people use a lawyer only rarely, if ever. So if they need a lawyer, they often don't know how to find one. | ||
1. Start with a lawyer you've used before | ===1. Start with a lawyer you've used before=== | ||
If you have used a lawyer before, start with that lawyer. For example, if you are getting divorced and the only lawyer you have ever used is the one who did your will, that lawyer may not be the best one to handle your divorce. Instead, you probably want a lawyer with experience in divorces. Lawyers, especially those in large cities, tend to work in certain areas of law. But they don't specialize like doctors do—there are no exams a lawyer can write to become a specialist in divorce or any other area. | If you have used a lawyer before, start with that lawyer. For example, if you are getting divorced and the only lawyer you have ever used is the one who did your will, that lawyer may not be the best one to handle your divorce. Instead, you probably want a lawyer with experience in divorces. Lawyers, especially those in large cities, tend to work in certain areas of law. But they don't specialize like doctors do—there are no exams a lawyer can write to become a specialist in divorce or any other area. | ||
If you were happy with your will, you can ask the lawyer who did it for names of lawyers who do divorce cases. The lawyer who did your will may also have partners who handle divorce. Try to get two or three names, so you can shop around and compare. | If you were happy with your will, you can ask the lawyer who did it for names of lawyers who do divorce cases. The lawyer who did your will may also have partners who handle divorce. Try to get two or three names, so you can shop around and compare. | ||
2. Ask friends for recommendations | ===2. Ask friends for recommendations=== | ||
If you’ve never used a lawyer, ask friends and acquaintances to recommend a lawyer they used for similar problems. A personal recommendation is usually a good way to choose any professional. You could also ask your doctor, accountant, or financial advisor. Often, they know lawyers who do divorce and other cases. Your employer may have a lawyer on staff, or you can ask your union lawyer for a recommendation. Always describe your problem in detail. | If you’ve never used a lawyer, ask friends and acquaintances to recommend a lawyer they used for similar problems. A personal recommendation is usually a good way to choose any professional. You could also ask your doctor, accountant, or financial advisor. Often, they know lawyers who do divorce and other cases. Your employer may have a lawyer on staff, or you can ask your union lawyer for a recommendation. Always describe your problem in detail. | ||
3. Call the Lawyer Referral Service | ===3. Call the Lawyer Referral Service=== | ||
If you've never used a lawyer and you can't get a recommendation, try the Lawyer Referral Service. BC lawyers participate in this voluntary service. Even if you aren't sure if you have a legal problem, you can use this program, operated by the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Call 604.687.3221 in the lower mainland and 1.800.663.1919 elsewhere in BC. Briefly explain your problem. The service will give you the name of a lawyer who does that type of law. | |||
Phone the lawyer and make an appointment. Tell the lawyer that Lawyer Referral Service sent you. The lawyer will give you up to a 30-minute appointment for $25 plus tax. At the appointment, the lawyer will tell you if you have a legal problem. Then, if you and the lawyer agree, you can hire that lawyer at their normal rate. You are not required to use that lawyer. You may decide you do not need a lawyer for your particular issue, or you may decide to shop around and find another lawyer. | Phone the lawyer and make an appointment. Tell the lawyer that Lawyer Referral Service sent you. The lawyer will give you up to a 30-minute appointment for $25 plus tax. At the appointment, the lawyer will tell you if you have a legal problem. Then, if you and the lawyer agree, you can hire that lawyer at their normal rate. You are not required to use that lawyer. You may decide you do not need a lawyer for your particular issue, or you may decide to shop around and find another lawyer. | ||