Hiring an attorney should not be an off-the-cuff decision that you make on a whim. This is the person who will be defending your rights, arguing on your behalf, and your best friend for the duration of your legal journey. The only way to ensure that you are finding a trustworthy and experienced attorney who will keep your best interests at the top of mind is to keep an eye out for the red flags.

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There are six main red flags to watch for when you start screening attorneys. Each of these flags, especially when combined, can be representative of a lawyer who might not be a fit for you, for one reason or another. To that end, take a moment to pause if you see any of the following:

1. Lack of Clear Communication

    The first obvious red flag in a lawyer you should watch out for is a lawyer who refuses to communicate with you. Whether it’s many delays to your responses or straight up unreturned calls or emails, a lack of responsiveness can indicate a lawyer who is disorganized or has a lack of interest in your case.

    A good attorney should also be able to explain legal concepts to you in simple terms and not get frustrated by your questions. They will also keep you informed as to the status of your case. So, when you start speaking with a potential attorney, watch how accessible they appear to be and make note of whether or not you feel comfortable discussing the details of your case with them.

    2. Unwillingness to Provide References or Testimonials

      An accredited lawyer should be proud of their past clients and have positive testimonials or references to share with you. If they say they don’t have any or just seem unwilling to share it’s a red flag. Assuming they don’t provide you with any, still take the time to check online reviews yourself to garner feedback. Avvo and Google Reviews can be excellent resources in your search to gauge the reputation of the attorney.

      If you do happen to find negative feedback, consistent complaints about the attorneys professionalism, gripes about their communication skills, or anything else, consider looking elsewhere. The last thing you want to do is settle on a lawyer, especially when the stakes in your case are high. 

      3. Unclear or Unreasonable Fee Structure

        The hallmark of a good attorney is one who explains their fee structure upfront so that there is no confusion on what would be owed. If they refuse to discuss costs or disclose information about their fee structure then it could be an indication of financial issues or hidden fees.

        Many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee structure, meaning they only get paid if you win. If the lawyer you are considering uses this structure, make sure you know what the percentage is. A fee of 33%-40% is most common for this subset of law, so keep this in mind as a benchmark when speaking with the potential attorney. 

        Also be cautious if any high upfront fees that don’t come with an explanation. Attorneys who ask for a large sum of money ahead of even explaining how their fee structure works are already showing warning signs. 

        4. Overpromising Results

          If there is one thing true about law it is that there never is a guaranteed outcome in a case. Reputable attorney will never attendee a specific result and, if they do, it’s a sign of dishonesty and a lack of experience. There’s nothing wrong with them indicating their belief of a successful outcome, but watch out for statements which make absolute certainties. 

          Similarly, be cautious of lawyers who make overly optimistic statements without having the time to conduct a realistic assessment of your case. An experienced lawyer will be focused on the process, rather than a promise, meaning they will provide you with a well-reasoned and through out path to success. 

          5. Lack of Transparency About Experience and Specialization

            In law, lawyers can practice generally or have a specialization. An attorney who practices in many areas of law, while successful, might not have the in-depth knowledge necessary for your specific case. Conversely, a specialized attorney may be too niche if your case is more broad. It’s essential to choose a lawyer who has experience that is most relevant to your needs.

            To that end, be wary of any lawyers who are unwilling to discuss their prior experiences. Anyone you are considering should be transparent about their background, past cases, and experience with your case. If they avoid answering questions, it’s possible they are hiding something. Try to ask them for specific examples of similar cases they worked on in the past because if they struggle to provide examples then it’s a red flag.

            6. Unprofessional Behavior or Poor Personal Rapport

              Finally, an attorneys behavior should reflect their professionalism. Any rude, dismissive, or overly aggressive behavior should be cause for concern. Also, they should care about your well-being and show interest in your case. Not doing either can indicate a lack of empathy which is an issue. 

              Partner with the best lawyer for your needs

              Whether it’s poor communication, an unwillingness to provide references, unclear fees, overpromises, a lack of experience, or unprofessional behavior, there are a myriad of red flags to look for. As you start the process of evaluating different lawyers, take your time and do proper research on anyone you are considering. 

              Hiring the right lawyer is crucial to the success of your case and for ensuring a smooth legal process which is why it’s best not to rush. Speak with your friends and family to see if they have any recommendations first, but then check up on reviews before consulting with anyone. Start with those who offer free consultations so that you don’t unnecessarily waste money before even hiring a lawyer.