If you are in need of a lawyer for your business and feel that you will need a representative in the courtroom, choosing the right commercial litigation lawyer can make all the difference. Whether your case involves fraud, shareholder disputes, breaches of contracts, or even product liability claims, you need the right lawyer by your side if you want to win in the end. Below are six tips for finding the perfect commercial lawyer for your needs.
1. Make Sure Your Lawyer Isn’t Stretched Too Thin
There is no shame in asking your lawyer how many other cases he or she is working on, because even though being busy is a sign that they are good at what they do, lawyers with too many cases on the books often find it too difficult to devote the time needed to your case, which means you are less likely to be successful in the end.
2. Make Sure Their Experience Includes This Area of the Law
Ask them specifically if they have business litigation experience, because this is a very specialized area that requires someone with the expertise to provide the representation you need and deserve from start to finish. Ideally, they will also have many years of experience in this area, because the more cases they have handled, the better off you’ll be.
3. Find Someone That Explains Things in Terms You Can Understand
A good lawyer will always present things in a way that makes it easy for you to understand, which means no big, impressive words will be thrown around to confuse you. You also don’t want someone who talks down to you, but instead that person should tell you everything you need to know in a language that is easy for you to grasp so that there is no confusion later on during the proceedings.
4. Be Careful with Lawyers Who Can’t Give You a Good Estimate of Their Fees
Lawyers’ fees vary greatly from one case to another and from one lawyer to the next, and even if they can’t give you an exact amount, their estimates should be very close to what you end up paying in the end. Make sure that they give you a clear hourly rate and a good estimate of how many hours it will take for your case to finish up, and you should be okay.
5. Don’t Be Fooled by Fees That Are Too Low
Everyone wants reasonable lawyer fees, but if they are too good to be true, there is usually a good reason why. If the lawyer you’re visiting gives you a rate that is much lower than the others you are considering, it is likely time to walk away.
6. Exceptions to the Rules
As long as it’s for a reason that is understood by both you and the lawyer, it is all right for your lawyer to charge fees that are extremely low, especially if he is a pro bono lawyer or is working on some type of deal for you. However, make sure you understand why that lawyer is doing so, and make your decision accordingly.
