If you're on a Chicago attorney search, you may be confused by the sheer number of Chicago area attorneys currently practicing law. You may not be sure how to narrow down your list of potential lawyers, or how to find the right legal specialist for your case.
Where Do You Start Your Chicago Attorney Search?
There are several ways to locate an attorney in Chicago, a Lake County divorce lawyer or an Illinois employment lawyer, but not all of these methods are effective. If you're simply going through the Yellow Pages or using an online directory that doesn't provide more than a location and phone number, narrowing down your list will be difficult at best.
You could call the local Bar Association in your county to get a list of members who specialize in the area of representation you need, but Bar Associations can't give you recommendations that will steer you toward one member or away from another. You'll get facts, but not much more. On the other hand, recommendations from friends or co-workers can go too far in the other direction; their praise or condemnation may be colored by their personal feelings and the outcome of their lawsuit.
Using The Internet - Chicago Attorney Search Made Easy
The best way to do an attorney search is to start on the Internet, then use recommendations or advice from others to fill in any blanks. You'll find that most Chicago attorneys, including Lake County divorce specialists and Illinois employment lawyers, have websites that can give you a lot of information about their practices and what areas of law are their specialties. A well designed website indicates that the attorneys are technologically savvy and dedicated to providing helpful information to clients and potential clients. If you find a site that has a blog with regular articles and updates, even better.
What Do You Look For In A Chicago Attorney Search?
Look for attorneys that have experience and expertise in the specific area in which you need representation. A Lake County divorce attorney should have at least ten years of experience in all aspects of family law, including separation, divorce, and custody issues. An attorney who has served on committees pertaining to family law, such as the Chicago Bar Association's Family Law Committee, can bring a unique perspective to your case.
If your Chicago attorney search is for an Illinois employment lawyer, experience is just as crucial. An attorney who has broad based experience in everything from discrimination and sexual harassment to severance negotiations and non-compete agreements will assure that you are adequately represented. If your Illinois employment lawyer has served on relevant committees or published in legal journals, he or she will be up to date on all aspects of employment law.
The Initial Consultation
Be sure to contact the lawyers you've found during your Chicago attorney search and ask for an initial consultation. In most cases, this will be free of charge, but be sure to ask. At the consultation, each attorney will ask some questions about your situation in order to determine if you have a case. This is also the time for you to ask some questions and gauge whether you are interested in moving forward.
Compatibility is important in any professional relationship, but it is particularly crucial for the attorney/client relationship. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable talking with the attorney. Is he or she explaining the legal process to you clearly? Is he or she answering your questions or evading them? Will he or she be easy to reach if you have any concerns? All of these are important when you're looking for an Illinois employment lawyer, Lake County divorce attorney, or any other kind of legal representation. Taking the time to do a thorough Chicago attorney search and interviewing each attorney will ensure you will be represented in the best way possible.
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