Finding an attorney seems like a daunting process, and one that often needs to be done quickly. Fortunately, for those of us in the Raleigh, NC area, we have plenty of options. However, many people are still a little unsure about whether it’s ok to consult with other attorneys and how to go about doing that.
Here are some etiquette guidelines for consulting other attorneys:
- It’s ok to talk to multiple attorneys: Most people don’t marry the first person they date or buy the first house they see. It’s perfectly fine to meet with different attorneys until the right fit is found. Just be upfront about it. Let the attorneys know that you are still in the consulting phase.
- The right attorney may not be right for all situations: Say an attorney did a great job on a traffic violation. That doesn’t necessarily make that person the best fit for estate planning or a personal injury case. No one expects a cardiothoracic surgeon to do brain surgery. Similarly, there are many different law specialties and it’s important to find the right fit for the right case.
- Stop consulting once a commitment is made: Once an agreement is signed, it’s time to stop shopping around. Be solid on the choice and focus all efforts into moving the case forward. If for some reason the chosen attorney doesn’t work out, review the agreement and devise a plan from there.
Legal matters can be very personal, so it’s important to find the right person that can be trusted to represent you. Any attorney should want to have a good working relationship with their clients and should not have a problem with a client speaking to multiple attorneys to ensure they’ve made the right choice. We’d be happy to consult with you on any estate planning and small business needs. Contact Thornton Law Firm to set up an initial meeting today!