Do homework, weigh options when hiring attorney
As a homeowner or someone seeking to own a home, there are situations where you may need to consider hiring a lawyer. For instance, a lawyer may be necessary if a homeowner and a home improvement contractor or builder are unable to resolve a dispute or in some cases when buying or selling real estate.
Hiring a lawyer can be essential if you are filing a lawsuit or need legal assistance on an issue involving your home or real estate; however, it is important to carefully choose a lawyer that has expertise in your area of need. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for hiring a lawyer:
• Ask for recommendations. Start by asking friends, family members, and coworkers who have sought legal services for a similar reason for their suggestions. You also can search the State Bar of Texas for lawyers with a specific expertise at texasbar.com. Check with BBBHouston.org to review a lawyer’s complaint history and customer reviews.
• Decide on the size of the firm. Law firms can range from as little as one lawyer or as large as hundreds of lawyers and anywhere in between. Larger firms usually handle more substantial cases involving government and public companies and can offer a great deal of resources, while smaller firms offer a personal one-on-one relationship while taking on smaller cases.
• Visit for a consultation. Use this consultation time to interview the lawyer about their training and experience. Ask the lawyer what type of experience they have dealing with cases similar to your case and what the outcome of those cases were. Find out how easy it will be to contact the lawyer throughout the process and how often they will update you about the case. Provide a clear summary and bring any documents or materials that may help the lawyer. Ask who specifically will be doing the work on your case, what your chances of success are and ask for an estimate for when the issue will be resolved and complete. Find out if the lawyer charges a fee for the first consultation. Some lawyers may offer a free consultation if you decide to hire them for legal services.
• Understand the costs. Before working with the lawyer make sure they explain how you will be charged for their services. Ask for costs and fees to be broken down in writing. Some lawyers will provide you with the cost before taking your case, while others will provide costs shortly after.
• Get the agreement in writing. Make sure the lawyer draws up an agreement stating all terms and details of the case and your client relationship. Before signing the agreement, read it thoroughly and ask questions if there is any confusion. Save a copy of the agreement and other important documents, especially if you give the original documents to the lawyer. Understand that if you are unhappy with your lawyer’s services, lawyers are subject to state ethics rules, and if you are unable to come to a resolution over services with your lawyer, consider filing a complaint with the BBB and the State Bar of Texas.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.