If you are caught in a legal battle, you may consider hiring a lawyer from a law firm. Perhaps you have the perception that attorneys who work at firms can solve any legal problem and will be able to secure a successful outcome for your case. Before you hire one of these legal professionals, it is important to understand the pros and cons of law firms.
Benefits of Attorneys from Law Firms
There are numerous advantages to hiring a lawyer from a law firm. First, you can trust that a highly ranked partner with a great deal of experience will likely oversee your case and the lawyer who works closely with you. If your case takes a turn for the worst, there is a good chance that a partner will step in to resolve difficult issues. A law firm also has disposable resources to dedicate to your case. You can trust that members of a law firm will have access to the latest legal information that could influence how your case is argued before a judge. You may also have access to a lawyer who specializes in your type of case.
Disadvantages of Attorneys from Law Firms
You should also be aware that there may be disadvantages in hiring a lawyer from a law firm. Attorneys at large law firms may be inexperienced. Your case may be handed to an attorney who has never handled your type of case, because large law firms have a tendency to hire recent grads and then load them with many cases. This can also mean your attorney may be juggling a large number of clients. He or she may not have the adequate time and attention to dedicate to you.
Types of Law Firms
You can find lawyers at large, mid-size, and small law firms. While large law firms may have vast resources, an attorney who receives your case may not be willing to dedicate adequate time and attention for your case. At a small law firm, you may find that a lawyer is less busy and willing to dedicate more energy into fighting for your legal rights.
Making Sure You Understand "Billable Hours"
Most big law firms bill for services based on "billable hours." A lawyer is required to achieve a certain number of billable hours in order to keep his or her position at the firm. You should carefully watch the manner in which a large-firm attorney bills hours for your case. There is a risk that he or she will simply list hours to meet the requirements imposed by the firm.
