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Yes, there are 'good' lawyers - here's how to find one

(ARA) - Who doesn't love a good lawyer joke? But for all our willingness to chuckle at their expense, there are times when we really need a good lawyer.

From moments as mundane as hiring someone to build a deck on your home, to the complex issues related to caring for an aging parent, life is full of occasions when you can use the assistance of a good attorney. And you don't have to be a litigious person or someone who gets in trouble a lot to reach a time in your life when you'll need to hire a lawyer.

There are more than 1.1 million attorneys practicing in the U.S., with a wide range of specializations, experience and personal litigation styles. So how do you find a "good" lawyer for your needs?

The American Bar Association offers a few tips, drawn from its reference book "The Complete Personal Legal Guide," on how to find the right lawyer for you:

First, know when you need a lawyer

Having a legal problem doesn't necessarily mean you need to hire a lawyer. You may be just fine representing yourself in traffic court, small claims court or in simple contract negotiations. But it may still be worth it to get some advice from an attorney, even if he or she doesn't actually represent you in court, in order to avoid problems down the road.

Even if you don't have a legal problem, you may still need an attorney. In addition to court proceedings, common times to hire a lawyer include when you start a business, sell or buy a home, engage in tax or estate planning or you have been served with legal papers in a civil suit. You should always hire an attorney to represent you if you face criminal charges, have been involved in a serious accident with injuries or property damage, are going through a divorce, or filing for bankruptcy.

Finding the right lawyer for you

Start by asking for recommendations from family, friends or business associates whom you trust. Consider advertisements, but with healthy skepticism. Consult with a local referral service; most communities have one. You'll most likely find a local attorney through a local service. Local bar associations can also be helpful.

Your initial contact will likely be by phone, followed by a face-to-face meeting. While many times this initial consultation is free, be sure to ask about fees before you sit down to talk. When you meet an attorney, the most important consideration is are you comfortable enough with him or her to share all the facts necessary to help him or her resolve your legal issue.

The client/attorney relationship is more effective when you divulge all information pertinent to your case, no matter how embarrassing the facts might be. The more comfortable you are with your attorney as a person and a professional, the more at ease you will be sharing information.

In your meeting, ask the lawyer to address some key questions, including:

* What is her experience and areas of practice?

* How long has he been practicing?

* What types of cases does he handle most frequently?

* Does she represent individuals or businesses?

*Who else will be working on your case?

* How are fees charged? Hourly, by the case or by the amount won?

* What does he think of your case's strengths and weaknesses?

* Will she settle out of court?

* How experienced is he at trial work?

Finally, meet and interview several lawyers before you choose one. Even if you end up hiring the first lawyer you meet, you'll feel more confident about your choice if you're informed about your options before choosing.

"The American Bar Association Complete Personal Legal Guide -- The Essential Reference for Every Household," brings together the expertise of the ABA's judges, lawyers and law professors to provide consumers with legal guidance in a practical, easy-to-understand format.

Recently revised, the guide now has tips on buying and selling real estate, fighting discrimination in the workplace, managing bankruptcy and creating wills, trusts, contracts and other legal documents. "The ABA's Complete Personal Legal Guide" is available online at www.ababooks.org and is also widely available in book stores and through online book sellers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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