Choosing the right attorney to help you with a legal problem is almost always a difficult decision. Part of the problem is that there are so many attorneys to choose from. Cost is just one consideration, but often a major one.
If you are given the names of two or three attorneys who are recommended, how do you choose the best one for you? Ultimately, chemistry, or your gut feeling, may be the most important factor, but cost is still involved.
When you are deciding to go with the more expensive attorney or the more affordable one, here are some points to consider about the value you may get with the more expensive attorney.
1. The attorney and staff will probably be more experienced. Usually, attorneys raise their rates over time as they gain more knowledge and experience. That will probably, although not always, translate into better representation.
2. You should receive more personal attention. That should lead to customized solutions to problems. You can ask questions, always a good idea, and get thoughtful responses.
3. The case should move along. The attorney and staff should be efficient because of their experience, so they should know what to expect and how to respond to issues.
4. There should be quality staff supporting the attorney. That's very important, but service can be more efficient and you may save some money by having an assistant handle certain steps in a case.
5. The attorney and staff should be willing to do all necessary work. Sometimes lower-charging or flat-fee attorneys cut corners because they aren't getting paid for extra work.
When you are hiring an attorney, there are many factors to consider. Cost is one of the primary ones. My suggestion is to not automatically write off an expensive attorney, as long as you can figure out a realistic way to pay the fees. You should commit only to what you can afford.
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