The Expert Podcast

So you have some type of legal dispute or legal issue that you're looking to get assistance on. Maybe you need to hire an attorney, get some legal advice, or prepare for litigation. In any case, you're going to need to talk to an attorney. However, there are three obstacles or problems you're likely to run into when talking to an attorney.

First of all, getting engaged with an attorney—meaning how to get one to take your case or even do a consultation with you—may seem like an easy task. You might think you can simply call up a law firm, say, "Hey, I want to hire you," and they'd take your money, right? Like any other company, you walk into a store, pay for a product, and get what you need. But attorneys don't work that way. Attorneys are very selective about the cases they take.

Attorneys have what's called a "practice area." If you look at the website of any law firm, you'll see a tab that says "Our Practice Areas." These are the types of cases they handle. For example, some firms only do divorce cases, criminal defense, or personal injury cases. Larger firms with more than one attorney may cover multiple areas. So first, you need to ensure the law firm you're contacting specializes in the practice area relevant to your case.

Even if you find a firm with the appropriate practice area, you'll discover that many firms are not very responsive. We recommend contacting 10 to 12 firms to get three responses and maybe one or two that you can actually talk to. You have to play the numbers game because most firms are already booked up. They're only looking for certain types of cases, and it's not about the money or billable hours. It often comes down to the vibe of the case and the potential client.

When contacting law firms, be prepared. Don't send all the details about your case in an email right away. Start with a brief inquiry: "I’m looking to speak with an attorney about this type of case," and briefly describe it in three or four words. Avoid telling your entire story upfront, as this can be a red flag for attorneys, making you appear like a high-maintenance client. Save your detailed story for later. Pretend you're talking to a receptionist; they don't need to know your entire case history.

Say something basic, such as, "I'm inquiring about a car crash litigation case." Let them come back to you if they want more details. The right person will contact you, and they’ll be interested in hearing your full story. Out of the 10 firms you contact, maybe three or four will reply. These firms will either ask you to set up a phone call, provide more details via email, or schedule an in-person visit.

Sometimes firms offer a free 15- to 20-minute consultation to learn about your case, while others may charge for an hour of billable time. Either way, take them up on it. Speak to two or three firms if you can. Share your case details and see what they say. Some may say, "Yes, this is the kind of case we handle." Others may decline or even advise that you don't need an attorney. Compare their responses to decide which firm you want to work with.

When it’s time to engage a law firm, come prepared. Don’t show up with just a stack of papers or try to explain everything verbally. That won’t help the attorney organize your case. Verbal stories are hard to retain, and attorneys won't remember everything. Instead, have your records, notes, and documents ready. If you need to explain verbally, write your story down or type it into a Word document to provide a clear outline.

Bring any receipts, copies, or documents related to your case. You can tell your story verbally, but also let the attorney know it's all documented. This shows you're organized and will be an easier client to work with. Attorneys appreciate clients who come prepared because it allows them to focus on the critical aspects of the case, rather than spending time sorting through details.

Remember, you're paying attorneys for their expertise—not for tasks like organizing your documents or transcribing your story. Think of it as hiring an advanced electrician; you wouldn’t want them to spend time changing a light bulb. Similarly, make things as easy as possible for your attorney.

One common complaint we hear from clients in our private investigator, mediation, and commercial insurance divisions is, "I can’t get a hold of an attorney," or "My attorney isn’t helping me." Often, this happens because clients don’t enable their attorneys to work efficiently. While you might feel entitled to VIP treatment because you're paying a lot, the legal profession is under immense pressure. Attorneys have to manage hearings, motions, and proper documentation. The more organized you are, the better legal results you’ll achieve.

Here’s an example: A small regional government agency needed legal assistance. At first, their executive contacted two law firms, but neither responded. They were frustrated, thinking two inquiries should suffice. We advised them to contact 12 firms—three locally, three in the neighboring town, and five slightly farther away. This broader outreach yielded better results.

Of the 12 inquiries, they received six responses. Three firms declined, but the other three provided valuable leads. Two firms offered free consultations. One firm said they didn’t need a lawyer yet and gave advice on next steps. The third firm became their legal representative. The feedback from the first two firms helped them prepare for the third.

Engaging with an attorney can be more difficult than you expect. Don’t take it personally or get discouraged. Be persistent, contact multiple attorneys, and stay organized. By following these steps, you'll improve your chances of finding the right attorney and achieving the legal results you want.