If you have a legal issue involving your pet or another animal, you may want to find an animal law attorney.If you live in a small town or rural area, finding an attorney with experience in animal law may be difficult.A personal injury attorney who has had animal-related cases in the past may be able to help.It will take some time to find the right attorney.It is important to interview several attorneys to find out who will work best for you.
Step 1: You should talk to your friends and family.
When looking for an attorney, people you know and trust are your best sources.Depending on your situation, attorneys in other practice areas may be able to help with your animal law case.Attorneys may be able to recommend someone who would be good for your case.Don't rely too much on word of mouth.Even though you may trust the person offering the recommendation, you should keep in mind that he or she has a different personality, interests and legal needs than you do.
Step 2: There are animal welfare organizations where you can ask for recommendations.
Attorneys in your area practice animal law.Many animal shelters and animal rights organizations have attorneys that can recommend services to you.An animal shelter could have attorneys within its group of volunteers.Even if the attorney doesn't practice animal law, he or she still cares a lot about animal welfare.The nearest branch of the Humane Society may be able to recommend an animal law attorney to you.
Step 3: You can find the local bar association's directory.
Attorney referral directories can be found on the websites of state and local bar associations.You can find the American Bar Association's Legal Services locator at www.americanbar.org.You can get information about the bar association in your state.You can search bar associations' directories by practice area.If animal law isn't listed, start with personal injury or property damage.State bar associations have animal law sections.Information about attorneys in the state who practice animal law can be found on the website of your state bar association.
Step 4: You can visit national attorney directory websites.
Lawyer directories and information about various areas of law can be found on many legal websites.Attorney profiles, ratings, and client reviews can be found on some of these websites.If you find an attorney on a national website, you'll want to look further into him or her to make sure you have the most up-to-date information, since not all of these services are regularly updated.
Step 5: The websites of the attorneys.
You can learn more about an attorney through his or her website.An attorney who specializes in animal law may have a list of the types of cases he or she takes.If your case falls within one of those types, look at the list and figure it out.An attorney who is passionate about animals is a good choice.An attorney who practices animal law may have pictures of her pets on her website.In addition to practicing law, attorneys may be certified trainers or breeders, and may have partnerships or relationships with local animal welfare agencies or nonprofits.
Step 6: Look for testimonials.
It is possible to get a good idea of what it is like to work with the attorney from statements from prior clients.You can use the internet to find out if anything is being said about a lawyer.You can get a sense of the lawyer's reputation in the community by looking at any local news articles that mention him or her.If you're reading testimonials on the attorney's website, they probably have been checked out and will skew towards more positive experiences.Negative feedback on a person's website wouldn't be accepted by most people in a profession.
Step 7: The attorneys' licenses are in good standing.
Before you talk to an attorney, you should make sure that he or she is licensed to practice law in your area.Information about an attorney's license can be found in your local bar association.This information can be found at the website for your state's highest court.Don't meet with an attorney who has previously been disciplined for a violation of professional ethics.
Step 8: Determine if the attorneys have malpractice insurance.
Malpractice insurance protects you if an attorney makes a mistake working for you.If an attorney does not have malpractice insurance, you may have no recourse if the attorney makes a mistake or mishandles your case.Many states require attorneys to reveal if they have malpractice insurance.When you go for an initial consultation, you should ask the attorney if disclosure isn't required.
Step 9: You can schedule an initial consultation.
If you can, try to interview at least two or three attorneys.Many attorneys will give you a free initial consultation in order to assess your case and determine if they can help you, while others will charge a small fee for the first meeting.Some attorneys will spend the entire time trying to sell their services to you rather than getting an understanding of you and your situation, which is why they view a free initial consultation as little more than a sales pitch.When scheduling a meeting, pay attention to the attorney's availability.It's possible that the attorney is too busy to give your case the attention it deserves.
Step 10: Prepare yourself for the interview.
If you want to explain your case to the attorney, you need to gather documents.If you were told to bring certain documents or fill out a form prior to your meeting, make sure you give the attorney that information in advance so he or she can prepare for the consultation as well.If you want to ask important questions during the interview, you should write a list of them.
Step 11: Discuss your situation.
The nature of the dispute will help the prospective attorney understand how to help you.Take note of the attorney's body language while you are speaking.Ideally, you want an attorney who is engaged and attentive, not one that is distracted, constantly interrupt, or works on something else.The most effective attorneys listen to what you have to say and be responsive, asking questions or raising issues that come to them as you relate your issue.
Step 12: Ask lots of questions.
You need to find out as much as you can about each attorney during the interview.If you already know about the attorney's website, ask about his or her background.It is important to see how the attorney answers the question and what points he or she emphasizes.It's possible that the answer he or she gives in person differs from the one on the website because the attorney hasn't updated his or her site in awhile.Find out how long the attorney has been practicing animal law and how many cases he or she has had.Find out what percentage of the attorney's practice is devoted to animal law.An attorney who focuses solely on animal law will have the most experience, and be up-to-date on how the law applies to your case.It may be difficult to find attorneys who only practice animal law in more rural areas.If you want to get a response quickly, ask the attorney the best way to communicate.If you use a preferred method of communication, you will get the fastest response time.If you're worried about your ability to pay attorney's fees, bring up finances.If you are honest about your situation, many attorneys will be willing to work with you, and a lot of personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency arrangement, meaning you pay them a percentage of your settlement or award if you win.
Step 13: The attorney's demeanor and office atmosphere should be observed.
If you're going to hire an attorney, you need to make sure that you get along with him or her and feel comfortable in the office.Pay attention to the actions of other employees in the office as well as how the attorney treats them.Think about whether you feel comfortable talking to the attorney or if he or she is easy to talk to.If you find an attorney intimidating or abrasive, he or she won't be able to represent you effectively.
Step 14: You should compare and contrast your prospects.
Pick the one that is right for you after you've completed your interviews.You can create a list of pros and cons for each attorney you interview.The weight you give each factor will be based on your personal needs and opinions.One attorney who is the most experienced, most successful, and willing to work with you to keep his fees within your budget is located all the way across town.If it would be hard for you to meet with him on a regular basis, you could go with another attorney.Don't let cost be the only factor in your decision.Consider how much the upcoming lawsuit means to you if you keep in mind what's at stake.If there's one attorney that you really like and enjoy talking to, even if he or she doesn't have a lot of experience, you should go with your gut.