Finding legal representation can feel overwhelming when you face a serious legal matter. Pittsburgh offers hundreds of attorneys across dozens of practice areas, making the selection process both important and time-consuming. The right legal counsel can make the difference between a favorable outcome and a disappointing result. This guide walks you through the process of evaluating and selecting an attorney who fits your specific needs.
Identify Your Legal Needs
Before you begin your search, define exactly what kind of legal help you need. Different attorneys focus on different areas of law. A lawyer who excels at criminal defense may not handle estate planning cases. One who specializes in family law might not take on business disputes.
Make a list of your specific situation. Write down the key facts, any deadlines you face, and what you hope to achieve. This preparation helps you communicate clearly when you contact attorneys. It also helps you identify which practice areas to focus on during your search.
Consider the scope of your matter. Some situations require ongoing representation over months or years. Others need only a brief consultation or document review. Knowing the likely timeline helps you find an attorney whose practice structure matches your needs.
Research Attorneys
Start your search by gathering names of attorneys who handle your type of case. Ask friends, family members, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals often lead to attorneys who communicate well and deliver results.
Search online for lawyers in Pittsburgh who practice in your area of need. Look at their websites to learn about their experience, education, and approach to client service. Most law firm websites list the types of cases they handle and provide background information on their attorneys.
Check professional directories maintained by bar associations and legal organizations. These directories let you search by practice area and location. Many include information about an attorney’s education, years in practice, and professional activities.
Read online reviews, but approach them with a discerning eye. A single negative review may not reflect the attorney’s overall quality. Look for patterns in feedback rather than isolated comments. Pay attention to reviews that mention communication, responsiveness, and case outcomes.
Verify Credentials & Standing
Once you have a list of attorneys, verify their credentials. Check that each attorney holds an active license to practice law in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Bar Association maintains a directory where you can confirm an attorney’s status.
Look for any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the attorneys you’re considering. The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania maintains records of any sanctions or suspensions. While most attorneys practice without incident, this step protects you from future problems.
Review each attorney’s educational background and any special certifications they hold. Some practice areas offer certification programs that require additional training and testing. While certification isn’t necessary for quality representation, it shows commitment to that area of law.
Evaluate Experience & Track Record
Experience matters in legal representation. An attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours brings knowledge of what works and what doesn’t. They understand the local court system, know the judges, and have relationships with other attorneys.
Ask attorneys about their experience with cases like yours. How many similar matters have they handled? What were the outcomes? While past results don’t guarantee future success, they indicate an attorney’s ability to handle your type of case.
Consider how long the attorney has practiced law. A newly licensed attorney might offer enthusiasm and lower rates. A seasoned attorney brings decades of experience but may charge more. Both can provide excellent representation depending on your needs and budget.
Schedule Initial Consultations
Most attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Use these meetings to assess if an attorney fits your needs. Prepare questions in advance and bring copies of any relevant documents.
During the consultation, explain your situation clearly and concisely. Pay attention to how the attorney listens and responds. Do they ask probing questions to understand your case? Do they explain things in terms you can understand? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you?
Ask about the attorney’s approach to cases like yours. What strategy would they recommend? What challenges do they anticipate? How long might the matter take to resolve? Their answers reveal their thinking process and give you insight into how they would handle your case.
Assess Communication Style
Communication problems cause many conflicts between attorneys and clients. You need an attorney who responds to your calls and emails within a reasonable time. You want someone who explains legal concepts without using excessive jargon.
During your consultation, notice how well the attorney communicates. Do they explain things clearly? Do they welcome your questions? Do they set realistic expectations about your case?
Ask about their communication practices. How often will they update you on your case? What’s the best way to reach them? Who else in their office might you work with? Knowing about these details upfront prevents frustration later.
Compare Fees & Billing Practices
Legal fees vary significantly among attorneys. Knowing how an attorney charges helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. Some attorneys charge hourly rates, while others work on contingency or flat fees.
Ask each attorney to explain their fee structure in detail. If they charge hourly, what is their rate? Do other staff members who might work on your case charge different rates? If they offer a flat fee, what services does it include?
Get fee agreements in writing before you hire an attorney. The agreement should spell out exactly what services the attorney will provide and how much you’ll pay. It should also explain what happens if your case takes longer than expected or becomes more involved than initially anticipated.
Some attorneys require a retainer, which is an upfront payment deposited into a trust account. The attorney bills against this retainer as they work on your case. Make sure you understand how retainers work and what happens to any unused portion.
Check References
Ask attorneys for references from past clients. While confidentiality rules limit what former clients can share, they can tell you about their experience working with the attorney. Did the attorney communicate well? Did they meet deadlines? Would they hire this attorney again?
Contact at least two or three references for each attorney you seriously consider. Ask specific questions about their experience. What did they appreciate most about working with this attorney? What could have been better? How did their case turn out?
Trust Your Instincts
After gathering information, scheduling consultations, and checking references, trust your gut feeling. You need an attorney you feel comfortable with, someone you can talk to openly about sensitive matters. If something feels off about an attorney, keep looking.
The right attorney makes you feel heard and respected. They answer your questions patiently and treat your concerns seriously. They’re honest about your case’s strengths and weaknesses rather than making unrealistic promises.
Make Your Decision
Review all the information you’ve gathered about each attorney. Consider their experience, communication style, fees, and how comfortable you felt during your consultation. Weigh these factors based on what matters most for your situation.
Once you’ve made your decision, contact the attorney promptly to begin working together. Sign their representation agreement and provide any retainer payment they require. Give them all relevant documents and information about your case.
Remember that you can change attorneys if the relationship isn’t working out. However, switching counsel can delay your case and possibly increase costs, so choose carefully from the start.
Finding the right legal representation takes time and effort, but making an informed choice sets the foundation for a successful attorney-client relationship. By following these steps, you position yourself to work with an attorney who has the skills, experience, and approach needed to handle your legal matter effectively.