The attorney-client relationship is important, not just for the success of a legal case, but for your comfort and confidence as someone who is in a compromising situation. With countless lawyers available, finding one that not only has the right expertise, but also makes you feel understood and at ease can be daunting. But with the right approach, it is possible.
What Makes a High-Trust Relationship?
We could sit here all day and talk about what goes into having trust and comfortability with someone else. However, at the end of the day, it comes down to a few key factors:
- Integrity. Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when nobody else is watching or there’s an opportunity to do the wrong thing without any negative consequences or repercussions. You want an attorney who is committed to doing the right thing, simply because it’s the right thing to do.
- Consistency. In order to feel comfortable with an attorney and have a high degree of trust with them, they have to be consistent in the kind of person and professional they are. Only then can you truly trust that they are who they say they are.
- Reliability. Reliability comes down to doing what you say you’re going to do. You want someone who can be depended on in any and every situation – no matter the cost.
- Competence. Let’s not forget about competence. You can have a lawyer with high integrity, great consistency, and impeccable reliability, but if they aren’t competent in what they do, it’s difficult to feel comfortable around them. High-trust relationships must be underscored by extreme competence.
Now, there are certainly other elements related to personality and shared beliefs that factor into building a high-trust relationship, but these four things are the foundation of it all.
How to Find an Attorney You Trust
It’s easy to pinpoint some of the things that make us feel comfortable and trusting around people, but it’s something else entirely to actually find an attorney who fits this bill.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Look for Specialization
Would you go to a brain surgeon if you needed a procedure done on your knee? Hopefully not! So why would you go to a business law attorney if you’re facing a criminal charge? Just like doctors, attorneys specialize in different areas. One of the best ways to make sure you have an attorney you can trust is by reviewing their area of specialization and finding someone who is known for being highly skilled in that niche.
- Take the Initial Consultation Seriously
Don’t hire an attorney before scheduling an initial consultation to chat with them. Almost every attorney is going to offer a free initial consultation, so you might as well use it to get a feel for their personality, poise, and approach.
“Usually, people don’t turn to an attorney because things are going well,” Bamieh & De Smeth explains. “It’s because they’ve been accused of a crime or injured in an accident and they need help through a difficult situation.”
If there’s one thing you need when you’re going through a difficult situation, it’s someone you’re comfortable being in the same room with. These consultations can help you get a feel for their “vibe,” for lack of a better word.
- Vet Multiple Options
Never stop your search with one attorney. It’s a good idea to vet at least two or three different options to get a good feel for different approaches, personalities, and strategies. If nothing else, this will put your mind at ease when it comes time to make a decision.
Find the Right Attorney for You
There are plenty of good attorneys to choose from. And if you were to line up every attorney in your city based on their credentials and experience, you’d probably be overwhelmed by how many qualified choices there are. But, at the end of the day, you have to pay attention to more than just where they went to school or what kind of watch they have on their wrist.
Hopefully, it’s clear that trust is a huge factor in a client-attorney relationship. You need someone you feel comfortable with and can confidently rely on to handle your case with authority and precision.
With this in mind, take your time vetting options until you find the right lawyer. Your careful due diligence will serve you well in the long run.
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