How To Select a Lawyer
There are many types of legal problems. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you are accused of committing a crime, if you are involved in or are contemplating a lawsuit, or if you have been involved in an auto accident.
What to look for in a lawyer in Colorado: the most important aspect in finding a lawyer is finding someone that you can work with. You might find the best lawyer in the world, but if your personalities or goals do not mesh, you're going to have a hard time working through your case. Make sure the lawyer you seek out has experience and expertise in the matter that you need him or her for.
For example if you need a divorce lawyer, there is no sense going to a lawyer who specializes in corporate law. Decide which area of the law you need help with, including: family law, criminal law, business/finance law, personal injury, health or disability law, immigration law, employment law, products and services law, government law, real estate/housing law, or intellectual property law. Consider searching for lawyers using these categories to focus your search. This will help save in legal fees and also give you a much better chance in the case you are fighting.
Next, look into the lawyer's experience and history. Is this lawyer qualified to handle your case? You may want to learn about his or her specific legal experience, practice areas, ratings, fees, and educational and professional affiliations. You can do this by searching by name, firm, practice area, etc., on the Martindale website: http://www.martindale.com/xp/Martindale/home.xml
When you first contact the lawyer you are considering, make sure that he takes cases on the plaintiff side. Many attorneys will only accept defense cases so ask that question right away so that you do not waste each other's time. Next, make sure that you tell the lawyer about all of your employment, insurance and affiliations so that he can check to see if he has any conflict in representing you. Additionally, you want to discuss payment immediately. Does the lawyer take fees on a contingency basis or does he bill hourly? What are his fees? Be sure that all of these issues are discussed before you agree to let him or her represent you.
Another issue you should be aware of when selecting an attorney is the unauthorized practice of law ("UPL"). The Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation provides guidance to clients concerning UPL on its website at http://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Regulation/UPL.htm. Specifically, the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation website provides guidance pamphlets in both English and Spanish, as well as Russian and Vietnamese. Additionally, the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation website offers guidance in English and Spanish concerning immigration consultants and the distinction between notaries and notarios.
The CHBA strongly urges those seeking legal assistance – especially concerning immigration matters – to seek counsel from licensed, qualified attorneys. The CHBA recommends that anyone with questions about an attorney’s qualifications or conduct, or concerning immigration consultants or notarios, visit Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation website or call them at (303) 866-6400, or toll free 1 (877) 888-1370.
Finally, you should also check that the attorney has valid, current registration to practice law in Colorado and does not have any disciplinary actions pending against him or her. You may check an attorney's disciplinary status by going to the following link: http://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Search/DiPSearch.asp.
Good luck!
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