How to Hire a Lawyer

Too often, doctors and others hire lawyers who don't have the relevant experience. Law, like medicine, has become super specialized. Just like you would not ask a gastroenterologist to handle a knee replacement, you ought to make sure the lawyer you choose has plenty of experience doing exactly what you need done. Even board certification (in Florida only so far) may not mean the lawyer has the relevant experience. Ask!

When you ask about fees, try looking at it as though the lawyer is a plumber. Any lawyer with enough experience of the kind you need should be able to tell you: (1) what they will charge to prepare a document or to review one and give you comments, and (2) how long they think negotiation will take and how much it may cost. Some lawyers will agree to flat fees and also will agree to cap their fees.

The two bottom lines here are: (1) hire someone with the experience necessary to get the job done, and (2) get a clear agreement about price.