Let’s be honest—choosing the right attorney can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re going through a divorce, starting a business, facing a legal dispute, need a Dallas, TX car accident lawyer, or dealing with something else entirely, having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
But how do you even begin to find the right one? Is it about experience? Personality? Cost? All of the above?
Let’s break it down in a way that’s actually helpful (and not just legal-jargon overload).
Start With What You Need
Before you even Google “attorneys near me,” take a minute to think about what kind of legal help you actually need. Law is a huge field, and most lawyers focus on specific areas—kind of like how doctors specialize.
Are you:
- Going through a divorce or custody dispute? Look for a family law attorney.
- Starting a business or drafting contracts? You’ll want a business or corporate lawyer.
- Injured in an accident? You’re looking for a personal injury attorney.
- Buying a house? That’s a real estate attorney.
- Facing criminal charges? Definitely find a criminal defense lawyer.
Once you know what area of law your issue falls into, your search will get a whole lot easier.
Ask Around
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a good attorney. Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they’ve worked with someone they’d recommend. But here’s the thing: take every recommendation with a grain of salt.
Why? Because everyone’s situation is different. Your cousin’s “awesome divorce lawyer” might be great at aggressive litigation, but that may not be the style you’re looking for if you want to settle things peacefully. Think of personal recommendations as a starting point—not the final answer.
Check Credentials
Yes, experience matters. Yes, you want someone who knows what they’re doing. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that more years = automatically better.
What you’re really looking for is relevant experience. Someone who’s handled cases or situations like yours—and has a good track record doing it.
And make sure they’re licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. (Most states have online directories where you can check.)
Schedule Consultations
Most attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. This is your chance to not only ask questions but also get a feel for how they work.
Pay attention to things like:
- Do they listen when you talk, or do they talk over you?
- Do they explain things clearly, or throw a bunch of legal jargon at you?
- Do you feel respected? Comfortable? Heard?
You don’t have to become best friends with your attorney, but you do need to trust them. If something feels off, trust your gut.
Ask The Right Questions
During your consultation, don’t be shy. Ask questions like:
- How long have you been practicing in this area of law?
- What’s your approach to cases like mine?
- Who will actually be working on my case—you or someone else in the firm?
- How do you charge, and what should I expect in terms of fees?
- How will we communicate (phone, email, in person), and how often?
A good attorney won’t just tolerate your questions—they’ll welcome them.
Don’t Let Price Be The Only Factor
We get it—legal fees aren’t cheap. But going with the cheapest lawyer you can find can sometimes cost you more in the long run.
Look for value, not just price. A more experienced attorney might charge a bit more per hour but get things done more efficiently (and with better results).
That said, make sure you understand how billing works. Is it hourly? A flat fee? Are there extra charges for court filings, phone calls, or paralegal time? You have every right to ask for a clear breakdown.
Trust Matters More Than You Think
At the end of the day, you’re trusting this person with a major life event—whether it’s your finances, your family, your freedom, or your future.
If you don’t feel comfortable being honest with them, or you feel like they’re not being honest with you, that’s a big red flag. You should never feel intimidated or dismissed by your own attorney.
Bottom Line
Finding the right attorney isn’t just about credentials—it’s about fit. You want someone who understands your situation, communicates clearly, respects your goals, and has the experience to guide you.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to meet with a few different people before making your decision. The right lawyer won’t just represent you—they’ll advocate for you.
And that’s exactly what you deserve. If you are looking for a good lawyer, Brandy Austin Law Firm is a full-service law firm and it is likely that one of our attorneys can help you. Reach out to us today.