IN Plum Summer 2014 | Page 22

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAWYER 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Plum Y ou are faced with having to hire a lawyer, but with so many choices and an abundance of options that often vary by state, you have no idea where to even begin. Still, you know that choosing the right lawyer could either make or break your case. The first step to finding the right lawyer is to know the practice area in which your case fits. There are many types of lawyers across a broad spectrum of disciplines, so knowing what type of case you have will help you to narrow your search. For example, a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice can help if you have experienced medical suffering at the hands of a physician or his/her staff. Or, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help if you have suffered an injury—physical or otherwise—due to the actions of another party. Once you have narrowed your choices, you can inquire about scheduling over-the-phone consultations that aim to serve both parties. During the phone conversations, the attorney can gain a better understanding of your case, and you can learn more about the attorney and his/her career history. Though it might be somewhat unnerving to talk to a lawyer, there are some questions you can ask that will help you to determine if he/she is the right choice for you.