How to Find an Attorney by Specialty

If you want to resolve a legal problem quickly and efficiently, you need to know how to find the right attorney.

In this article, you will discover how to find an attorney by specialty.

How to Find an Attorney by Specialty

Some areas of law are more complex than others. There are many instances in which it’s preferable to find someone who spends the majority of his time focused on certain areas of law as opposed to just handling them occasionally. Regular focus on one specific type of law ensures your chosen attorney is familiar with case precedent, how your area’s legal system works in terms of filings, and what course of action is best for any given situation.

Here are a few examples of why it’s important to know how to find an attorney by specialty:

• Administrative law issues impact your ability to maintain a professional license or board certification. You may also use an administrative lawyer for issues impacting your ability to collect social security.
• Bankruptcy lawyers can help you decide if you need to file for chapter 7, chapter 11, or chapter 13. They’ll also help you complete the proper paperwork and, depending on the complexity of your case, will appear with you in court, if necessary. They will also take over all communication with creditors, so the harassing calls and letters you are receiving will stop.
• Business litigation specialists will help you keep your business running smoothly, including but not limited to the creation and review of contracts. They can offer advice when it comes to ensuring your business doesn’t violate any existing laws and can also represent you if you have a business, civil, or commercial disputes.
• Criminal defense attorneys specialize in representing people who have been accused of a crime. They are skilled at proving the innocence of clients or at helping those accused of crimes navigate the system and reduce their penalties. Crimes often represented include but aren’t limited to domestic violence, DWI/DUI, internet crimes, shoplifting and theft, drug and gun crimes, and even murder.
• Employment law involves issues pertaining to discrimination, labor laws, wage disputes, wrongful terminations, and retirement issues.
• Estate planning lawyers specialize in helping people plan their estates, including wills and trusts, before death. They also help to set up powers of attorney and conservatorships and can help an estate get through probate after a person passes away.
• Family law issues include prenuptial agreements, domestic partnerships, divorce, spousal support, child custody and support, and parental rights issues.
• Immigration specialists include both family and business immigration issues, asylum, deferred action, and employment visa issues.
• Personal injury attorneys specialize in helping people get compensation when they’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. These issues may include vehicle accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death suits.
• Real estate lawyers may help negotiate the sale or purchase contracts, will help with homeowners association disputes, and often work to settle landlord/tenant disputes.

Each specialist is familiar with California’s laws and how they apply on the regulatory, statutory, and constitutional levels. They are also especially well-studied when it comes to previous case law that helps them to prove and win their cases in court. Their specialized knowledge of their field of expertise makes them an excellent source of information so that you can weigh the pros and cons of your situation and take the appropriate next steps.

How to Choose the Right Attorney

Now that you understand some of the main categories, it’s time to decide which type of attorney you need to work with. Once you’re clear on that point, you can start your search.

Ask for Referrals

Always ask friends or family who has been in similar situations if they’d use the same lawyer again or recommend them to others. You can learn a lot about what it’s like to work with a particular practice from someone else’s experiences, especially when it comes to timeliness and communication.

Talk to Other Lawyers

Do you happen to know another lawyer who simply doesn’t practice in the area of law you need help in? Ask if they know anyone who can help. Lawyers will gladly make referrals to their peers if they are confident in their abilities.

Check the California Bar Association Website

Every state has a bar association where you can search for local attorneys, usually by geographic location and/or specialty. You can also learn about the rules of professional conduct and file complaints if you believe you’ve been mistreated by an attorney.

Take Advantage of Free Consultations

While some specialists do charge for consultations, many (especially personal injury lawyers) will offer free consultations. Think of your consultation like an interview. Find out how much experience they have with your type of case, how often they go to court, and what their track record is in terms of wins and losses. Ask about fees, what percentage of the business is made up of the type of law specialty you need, and whether or not they utilize paralegals (which will help lower your billing costs).

If you’re not sure how to get started, we’re always happy to help.

Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll help you find a lawyer who specializes in the area of law covering your legal matter.