Anniston Alabama also known as The Model City is popular for its well-planned layout and beautiful street designs but even the most attractive places sometimes leaves you in a pickle where you may need legal help.
Whether it is for a contract or real estate purchase, a lawyer protects your interests and ensures you stay on the right side of the law. And being in the beautiful Anniston does change this.
You don’t have to get in trouble before seeking the help of a lawyer. In fact, an attorney can do a lot more to keep you out of trouble. From your will to your property or even in your business, lawyers protect your interests.
Finding a lawyer in Anniston Alabama shouldn’t be a problem if you know what to look out for. Bearing in mind that there are more than enough options available and the challenge is more about finding the right one than anything else.
This piece shows you how you can simplify your search for an attorney in Anniston Alabama and get the right one for your needs.
1. Understanding Your Needs
Without this first step, you will struggle to get the right lawyer even if you choose the most popular attorney in Anniston. Wondering why? It's simple, knowing what you need a lawyer for will help you decide which type of attorney you require.
While there are general attorneys that handle every case, they usually still have areas of specialization where they are more equipped to help. With law firms like Stanko & Senter concentrating on corporate law, estate planning, wills, probate, eminent domain, and real estate law.
So the first thing you should do is take some time to figure out why you need an attorney. Do you need one for a DUI, criminal case, or estate management in Anniston?
You can list out the different reasons if your needs differ. From here, you have a good idea of the qualities the right lawyer should possess to serve you best. Put your needs on a list to make it easier to cross examine.
2. Researching Local Lawyers
It's time to research local lawyers around the Anniston Alabama area who can best serve you. Thankfully there are online directories that make your job easier. Utilize free resources like Avvo and Alabama state bar to get details about practicing lawyers in the Anniston area.
Your research should go beyond simply finding these lawyers. You should also check reviews and testimonials to learn more about your potential attorney.
Sometimes all you need to do is seek referrals from friends and family in Anniston. Words of mouth and referral from family and friends are one of the most effective ways of finding the perfect local service.
Chances are that a friend or member of your family has used an attorney that overdelivered on their promise. But you may never know if you do not ask.
Make a list of all the potential attorneys you found in Anniston Alabama.
3. Evaluating Attorney Credentials
After finding different local attorneys serving the Anniston area, you’ll need to access their qualifications. After all you need only the best to represent you.
Start by verifying licenses on Alabama State Bar to know which lawyers still have active licenses to practice in the area. But that’s not all there is to it. Check experience in the areas you have identified as your needs.
You can also see disciplinary action on attorneys from January 2018. You want to avoid an attorney that is notorious for indiscipline as this can creep into their handling of your case. Remember, the aim is to find a lawyer in Anniston that best suits your needs.
4. Meeting Potential Attorneys
By now your initially long list would've been trimmed down to a handful and this is where you want to start meeting potential attorneys. Schedule an initial consultation with these firms to understand what they offer and if they’ll be the best fit for your needs.
Law firms like CheahLaw make scheduling this initial consultation quite easy with a simple form on their website.
The initial consultation may be online or at their offices with some lawyers even offering free consultations for the first meeting.
Before attending these consultations, prepare the right questions to ask that will provide clarity and help you make the right decisions. Questions like experiences in fields related to your needs, their approach and even fees.
While in the meeting, access their communication style and determine if you’re comfortable with it. You will be working with them so you want to do so with someone you’re comfortable with and a lawyer who communicates properly.
5. Understanding Fees and Costs
Your budget and the fees for the attorney you chose have to match. So you need to consider all the fees and costs associated with using that attorney.
You should know if they charge an hourly rate or fixed fee. Some have additional contingency fees that you may need to pay alongside court fees and those for expert witnesses.
While some law firms have a few of these fees covered in the initial fee, others will require the client to pay separately. This is why you need to learn about all costs of using their services so you know if it is within your budget.
6. Making Your Decision
With all the above information you can make the decision of choosing the best lawyer in Anniston for whatever needs you may have. This is where you take your needs and cross reference it with the attorneys that have passed all the criteria above including fitting your budget.
Don't forget to compare the available options based on their expertise in areas similar to your needs whether it is corporate law, elder law or estate planning like Stanko & Senter.
You have to trust your instincts here on the lawyer to choose in Anniston. From here you can confirm next steps from your chosen lawyer.
Final Thoughts
Finding a suitable lawyer in Anniston Alabama shouldn’t be a problem if you know what to look out for. And this guide has already made it easier from defining your needs to making a decision.
Getting a lawyer is one thing, getting one that is experienced in your needs, has the right certifications, communicates well, and fits your budget is best.
If you’re looking for a lawyer with experience in business law, estate planning, elder law, probate domain, and wills, in Anniston Alabama, Stanko & Senter is the most suitable choice with decades of experience servicing the area.
Stanko & Senter was founded in 2000 by Ed and Gary and has continued to serve the Alabama area since then. Providing quality law service in different law fields.
They’ve proven to be the best option for people through their combination of great communication, expertise, and all the right certifications.
