"How do I choose a good lawyer?”
This seemingly innocuous question asked of me recently, made me pause.?
Because you see - Choosing the right lawyer isn’t just about reputation—it’s about being the right fit for YOU.
But what does being a “right fit” really mean?
Reflecting on this, and leaning into my own years of legal experience, here are my thoughts distilled into a four-question formula:
????One: How is their subject-matter expertise? (You can gauge this by how they deconstruct the strengths and weaknesses of your case, how well they tie it to legal provisions, anticipate roadblocks, and—most importantly—how they strategise around them.);
????Two: Do they GET your case? (Beyond the legalities, do they understand you —your circumstances, business realities, motivations, and what justice looks like for you? They should grasp what can realistically be achieved and what will make you feel justified or vindicated)
????Three: How updated are they on the law? (Pay attention to how they reference case law, especially recent judgments. Do they bring in industry news, legal research, or even insights from their network that could be relevant?)
????How far can they take you in a court room? (Especially in disputes, courtroom presence matters. Do they read the judge and the room well? Are they nimble in arguments, balancing aggressive advocacy with strategic restraint? This may need some external survey/research to identify, but the effort may be well worth it)
Ultimately, a good lawyer isn’t just someone with only knowledge—they are someone who can strategically guide you through a storm.
I’m curious to know your views on this. Would you add anything to this list?
Please tell me below and let us create a valuable resource for all in the comments!
