Choosing the best lawyer for your needs should be done with the same process as you would any other product or service. The problem is that many of our legal issues are accompanied by strong emotions, and we forget to take the time to perform the due diligence needed to find the best Pawleys Island lawyer for the specific case. Finding a great law firm doesn't have to be overly complicated, but you should complete a few steps to ensure the attorney you choose is skilled in the legal capacity you need and has your best interest in mind.

Best Pawleys Island Lawyer

To choose the best Pawleys Island lawyer, form a list of candidates who were recommended to you, you discovered through your own research, or you're familiar with through advertisements or office location. Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation, which is something you should take advantage of. Schedule a time to sit down with as many of the lawyers from your list as possible. In your search for the best Pawleys Island lawyer, look for these key elements:

Areas of focus: Most lawyers handle cases in specific fields, so make sure the lawyer you choose is expertly experienced in the area of law with which you need support. Lawyers may also offer several areas of focus, so ask which category is the largest percentage of their case load.

Legal fees: While the initial consultation may be free, services certainly aren't. Ask directly how much the lawyer will charge and how the fees are incurred. Depending on your case, the lawyer may charge an hourly rate, flat fee or percentage of the monetary win. Make sure you know which to expect.

Legal team: Does the attorney have a legal team backing their work? Some attorneys may rely on their paralegals to complete some of the work. You should ask who will be handling the details of your case and with whom you'll speak when you call the office for information. This answer could impact the quality of work and, ultimately, which lawyer you choose.

Communication: How will the attorney communicate the specifics of your case? Will information be relayed from the attorney directly or transferred to the secretary to be passed to you? Some law offices rely on email for immediate communication while others make phone calls. Make sure you know how often you'll hear from your attorney before making the hire.

Personality: One of the main benefits to meeting with the lawyer before hiring them is to judge if your personality meshes well with theirs. You want to feel welcomed and comfortable. If you feel uneasy or have issues of trust with the attorney, it's time to move on.

Once you've decided on an attorney, contact the Disciplinary Counsel of South Carolina Courts to inquire about any questionable actions. You may also contact the state bar to inquire about specific lawyers and their work. Once you've met with the Pawleys Island lawyer and completed the assessment process, you should be able to determine which attorney is best for your needs.