If you have been accused of a crime or if you are required to attend litigation, the choice you make of legal representation may be the most important decision of your life. The American system of law has very little to do with guilt or innocence, instead, it is based on who can weave the most compelling argument. If your freedom or financial well being depends on hiring a good lawyer, take the following points very seriously before you make your choice.

Experience

No other single factor helps you and your lawyer more than experience. No matter how highly rated a novice barrister may be, there is nothing like on the job experience. Their experience is doubly important if they have been in front of the judge who is presiding over your case before. An experienced lawyer will not only know the ins and outs of your case better then anyone, they will also be able to explain exactly what is going on throughout your trial better than a novice. They may also be better at negotiating for a plea than someone less experienced.

Word of mouth

As terrifying as this whole experience may be for you, it isn’t unique. Chances are, you know someone in your field who has gone though the same thing, so why not tap into that wealth of knowledge and find out how their experience went. You may not find out which lawyer or law firm to go with, but you may learn which ones to avoid. Positive word of mouth is the single most powerful form of advertising a lawyer can have, so if someone is riding a successful streak, you will know about it. Be prepared to pay, however, as the popular lawyers are often the most expensive.

Instant connection

Sometimes, choosing a lawyer is all about the connection you make. If you have visited a handful of top lawyers and you suddenly realize that you are communicating well with someone, that is probably the lawyer you want to go with. One thing many people forget is that your lawyer works for you. It is their job to represent you as best they can, but they also must be willing to take instruction for you at the right moments. If you have a lawyer that doesn’t understand this or one that you have trouble communicating with, you might be doing yourself more hard than good.

Call the Bar

Finally, if you don’t know where else to turn, you can call the Bar association and have a lawyer recommended to you. Most Bar associations will not only give you a list of lawyers legally certified to practice in your state, but also ones that are the best fit for your particular case. This can give you a launching point to make a decision on which representation you want.

Click on one of these links to check out sample legal documents drafted by Amlaw 200 Law Firms for Fortune 500 Companies.

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