How to Choose the Right Type of Lawyer

Finding an Attorney for Lawsuits and Protection of Rights

Sep 25, 2009

An employee who is unfairly fired from a job and the individual who runs into legal difficulties needs a lawyer to interpret the law and protect his or her rights.

Sometimes rectifying a dispute or legal matter may be as simple as contacting a lawyer who is trained to deal with the situation. A good lawyer will fill out the appropriate legal documentation and make contact with agencies to rectify a client’s legal problems, but with so many different kinds of lawyers, how does one choose a lawyer?

Each Lawyer is an Expert in Something

Someone who has contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos in the workplace won’t use the same lawyer as someone getting a divorce or someone who is disputing a DWI or DUI charge of drunken driving. This is because each legal case requires specific skills and knowledge. For example, lawyers who specialize in medical malpractice are almost as knowledgeable of medical procedures as healthcare professionals; this is a necessity in understanding cases.

The lawyer’s client depends on the lawyer’s expertise. The individual who is searching for a good lawyer looks for an attorney with expertise in resolving legal matters that are similar or identical to his or her situation. Handling certain cases requires certain skills and capabilities.

Types of Lawyers

As an example of how much specialization exists even in one field, consider the many types of personal injury lawyers. Personal injury is defined by Legal Explanations website as “An injury to one's body or mind. May be grounds for a lawsuit if someone besides the victim is responsible for the injury.”

The possible causes of injury are too numerous for one lawyer to be an expert in every type of injury; therefore, the individual who needs a personal injury lawyer has to choose a lawyer that specializes in the specific elements involved in his/her case.

For example, if an injury was caused by medical malpractice the injured individual must consult a lawyer who specializes in the medical field and understands medical jargon. An individual suffering a dogbite due to pet owner negligence, or the victim of a vehicle accident, should seek out a personal injury lawyer who has handled cases of dog bites or vehicle accidents respectively.

Yet another area of legal specialization is defense of victims suffering cancer caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Subsequent asbestos lawsuits filed by the individuals who were exposed to the harmful substances has resulted in another degree of specialization.

A Specific Lawyer for each Specific Injury

Injuries and diseases caused by workplace exposure to chemicals, hazardous substances, and cancer-causing agents are so specific to each cause that some lawyers specialize in representing clients exposed to only specific substances or clients who suffer one specific injury or disease.

Lawyers who Specialize in Mesothelioma Cases

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma from exposure to cancer-causing agents is an example of a workplace injury that causes health problems years after the initial exposure. The victim of asbestos exposure may sue an institution that he or she has not been associated with for decades. Accordingly, some lawyers have devoted their practice to specific lawsuits for specific exposures because such cases are unique and require a high degree of specificity.

The Navy Seaman, Deck Department, Old Navy Ships and Mesothelioma

Former navy seaman, merchant mariners, and merchant marines need to be especially vigilant about their health and monitor for mesothelioma as asbestos was prevalent aboard navy vessels several decades ago, and many cases of mesothelioma caused by workplace exposure are only now being discovered and resolved in asbestos lawsuits. Some lawyers (mesothelioma attorney) actually specialize in such cases. The value of research in choosing a lawyer is well worth the time.

A good law firm will ensure that clients are matched with the appropriate specialist, but the client should do a thorough interview of his/her lawyer nonetheless. Knowing that the lawyer and his/her history will help to relieve client distress in confronting the legal system.

Types of Lawyers

Divorce lawyer, insurance lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, medical malpractice lawyer, the list is almost endless. LawRm.com lists the types of lawyers and some of the specific cases that they handle but a general listing includes:

Personal Injury Lawyer/Tort Lawyer – Deals with injuries of all sorts from medical malpractice to assault.

Criminal Defense lawyer – Protects those accused of a crime - May be consulted following arrests

Estate Attorney – Deals with wills, trusts – May be consulted to avoid family squabbles over money and valuables in the event of one's death.

An Affordable Lawyer

After determining the type of lawyer that is needed, investigate the fee. Some attorneys will only require payment if the case is resolved in the client's favor. This type of payment arrangement is called contingency fee. If the attorney arranges a contingency fee and loses the case the client pays nothing, but if the lawyer wins the case, the lawyer receives an agreed percentage of the settlement fee.

In Choosing a Lawyer

Don’t be hesitant about asking questions when searching for a lawyer. The lawyer works for the client, and the client determines whether the lawyer meets his/her needs. Most lawyers are willing to assist and educate their client about the specifics of the law, and after learning the specifics of an individual’s situation most lawyers will direct the client to the another attorney if necessary.

Considerations in Choosing a Lawyer

A referral service can be used, but a referral doesn’t necessarily mean that the lawyer is a “good lawyer.” When choosing a lawyer, consider the cost, the experience, the area of law that lawyer specializes in, and the types of lawsuits and clients the lawyer usually represents. The time invested in researching and evaluating a lawyer who will represent one in a court of law is time well-spent.

Excerpt from An older person's guide to finding legal help. Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Lectric Law Library. Lectlaw.com

The copyright of the article How to Choose the Right Type of Lawyer in Law is owned by Marian Henderson. Permission to republish How to Choose the Right Type of Lawyer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.