How to find the right lawyer

Different types of lawyers

Different types of lawyers practice different types of law. You will need to find a lawyer who specializes in the area of law that is relevant to your case.

Different fields of law

There are many fields of law, including criminal, civil, business, family, employment and immigration law. Each field comprises unique rules, procedures and regulations. It is important to find a lawyer who has a thorough knowledge of the area of law that applies to your specific legal situation.

The right type of lawyer for your case

To help you with your case, your lawyer should specialize in an area of law that is relevant to your case. For example, if your case involves a car accident, you should look for an SAAQ lawyer rather than a lawyer who specializes in business law.

How to find a lawyer in Quebec

There are various ways to find a suitable lawyer. Take a look at a few possibilities below.

By referral

One of the first things you can do to find the right lawyer is ask family, friends or colleagues for recommendations. Someone may know a lawyer they have used in the past who successfully resolved a case similar to yours. Word of mouth can be very helpful for getting an idea of a lawyer’s experience and level of success.

Online

The Internet is another good place to look for a lawyer. Consulting law firms’ websites is an easy way to learn about the lawyers who work there and which area of law they specialize in. Contact a law firm directly to find out more!

Lawyer directories

You can also explore directories to find the right lawyer for your case. Services like Yelp and the Yellow Pages are excellent resources for finding a lawyer nearby with the right qualifications.

Factors to consider when choosing a lawyer

To choose a legal advisor suitable for your situation, take into account the following criteria.

1. Area of expertise

When looking for a lawyer, make sure they are an expert in the area of law relevant to your case. Experience is very important. When you present your situation, a lawyer with relevant experience will be able to give you good information and guide you through the process.

If they cannot answer your questions and do not convey a certain amount of confidence, they are probably not a good option.

2. Reputation

In the legal field, word of mouth is important. When a client is satisfied with a law firm, they often tell friends, family or colleagues who are in a situation where they need a lawyer. A law firm that respects its clients will be rewarded with a good reputation and glowing recommendations.

3. Access to information

Lawyers must always keep their clients informed as the case progresses. Cases can involve long procedures that require a lot of patience, but a good lawyer will always stay up to date on ongoing cases and notify clients of any progress. 

Lawyers should also answer your calls and emails, particularly if you have new information to offer.

4. Law office location

It’s best to choose a law firm that is close to your home, because you may need to go to the office on more than one occasion to deliver documents or meet with your lawyer.

The firm should also be easy to reach, with a clearly visible street address, professional email address, contact number and website. 

Even though virtual meetings are becoming more and more common, it’s better to find a lawyer who practices in your city, or in your province at the very least. They will be more familiar with the way things work in your area, and in-person meetings are always preferable!

5. Fees

Pricing is another important factor to consider when choosing the right lawyer. Make sure that the lawyer’s fees are reasonable and that they fit your budget. Feel free to ask how they charge for their services (hourly, flat fee, etc.) and how much those services cost.

Beware of lawyers who guarantee success. A good lawyer will present your chances of winning, the difficulties you may encounter and the documents they will need from you.

Look for someone who is honest and frank with you, not just telling you what you want to hear.

Looking for a lawyer in Montreal? Choose Bégin Avocat!

It may seem like a daunting task to look for a lawyer, but rest assured that by following the steps outlined above, you will find the right lawyer for your case.

At Bégin Avocat, not only do we take great care of our clients, we also strive to help those who contact us for information. We know that many place their hope in the hands of justice, which is why we treat each and every case with the utmost care and dedication.

We have been supporting victims looking for compensation from the SAAQ, the CNESST, the IVAC and Retraite Québec since 1992. 

If you need help after an accident or have any questions for us, contact us by phone at (514) 509-7852 or fill out our contact form.