If you are about to hire an attorney, there are a few things you can do to make a smart decision and choose a good attorney. Choosing a good attorney can make all the difference in a case where the legal issues are complex or where there is the potential for the case to drag on for a long time. A good attorney will know the ins and outs of the law that will help expedite your case and give you the best chance of a positive outcome.

The first factor to consider when choosing an attorney is what type of case they have experience and expertise in. Many people falsely assume that any attorney knows all kinds of legal matters and can handle any kind of case. The truth is, attorneys are a lot like doctors in that they specialize in particular types of cases. While some may have a general practice and be able to handle a wide range of legal matters, many of the best attorneys specialize in one or two particular areas of law and acquire a great deal of knowledge in those areas. This is generally the type of attorney you want for your case, because experience handling cases similar to yours is one of the most important factors in choosing an attorney. As the saying goes, there is no substitute for experience.

The second factor to consider is whether this attorney has a disciplinary record. Most states have a lawyer directory and a visible disciplinary record for their attorneys. You can usually find it on the website of your state supreme court. This will show you if there have been significant issues in the attorney’s past conduct with clients that warranted discipline. Depending on what the problem was, you may want to consider another attorney.

Lastly, if possible, you should try talking to previous clients to see what their experience with this attorney was like. Although each client has attorney client privilege and the attorney may not have anyone’s permission to use them as a reference, it is worth asking. Be sure to ask questions such as how quickly phone calls and emails were returned, whether the attorney went to great lengths to resolve the matter quickly, and whether or not the attorney’s outcome was favorable.

If you consider these tips when looking for a lawyer, you should have a good chance of finding one that will not disappoint you.