One of the services I perform for friends and clients is assisting them in finding a lawyer when they have issues that are outside my area of expertise, i.e,. family law and business formations, in particular.  Through the years, it has become apparent to me that this lawyer selection business is tough.  It is hard for me sometimes, as well.  And I have inside info and experience.  

So, how do you pick a good law firm?  That's the question.  Really, that's the trick question, and it is for a different reason than you might think.  Yes, I have lots of good lawyer jokes, too.  But the question is a trick question because it is the wrong question.  Here is what I mean:  Want a better answer?  Then, ask a better question.  

Here is the better question:  How do I pick a good lawyer?  There are good lawyers all over.  There are bad lawyers all over.  Both types are in all kinds of firms.  

The first order of business is to hire a lawyer, that is, a person, rather than a firm.  (Your engagement agreement will technically be with the firm, in all likelihood, but still, you want to establish a lawyer-client relationship with a specific lawyer.) Next, find out whether that lawyer will be handling your case personally, or will he/she be handing it off to another lawyer, perhaps a junior associate.  Note also that the more hands touch a file, the less efficient the work tends to be, and the higher costs tend to be, as well. 

But when hiring your lawyer, how do you evaluate them?  They are several ways to do this.  If possible, start with a lawyer who knows them, or perhaps a client.  What are their impressions and recommendations? 

Still, you have to make your own call here.  So, what do you look for?  My own view is that you want some one you like and trust, if possible.  But trust is paramount.  Also, you want some one who juries and judges are going to like and trust, again, with trust paramount.  

And how do you measure trust?  I think it is a combination of competence and integrity.  Ask a lawyer about his/her experience and results. Drill down. Personally, some of my more illustrative results aren't on this site because they are too difficult to distill into bullet points.  So, ask your perspective lawyer. 

Aside from rates, logistics and other obvious matters on your mind, consider asking also:  1) Do you want to work on my case?;  2) Do you think I have a good case?; 3) Do you have the time to give proper attention to my case; and 4) Who, besides yourself, would be working on this file?  Tell me about them.  

This will get you started.  

Let me know if I can help in this process.