What are the five top things to search for when hiring a criminal lawyer in Kitchener? Hiring a criminal lawyer is often a daunting experience if one is unaware of what to look for, however this brief article will shed some light on various things to keep in mind before hiring. Firstly, how does the consultation process work at the firm of interest? Before analyzing the consultation process we first must understand what the client’s needs are. For example, is the client searching for a low-cost criminal lawyer in Kitchener or a more seasoned lawyer with an abundance of professional experience.

The more experience a criminal lawyer possesses the higher the hourly fee rate will be and vice versa. If the consultation meeting has an expensive fee this may indicate a more seasoned criminal lawyer who requires a higher fee rate, whereas a free consultation meeting may indicate the opposite. It is crucial that a client chooses a criminal lawyer in Kitchener that both meets their needs while not breaking the bank. Secondly, it is important to review previous references and testimonials from past clients to gain a sense of the criminal lawyer’s competence in trial. Indeed, previous clients will offer some of the most accurate details of a criminal lawyer’s skillset and ability while in trial. For example, written and oral communication, empathy, trustworthiness, ethical behaviour, attentive listening are all essential skills required by criminal lawyers in Kitchener.

Some common methods to retrieve references and testimonials can be online, by phone or even in-person at the law firm or courthouse. Thirdly, does the criminal lawyer have experience in cases that mirror the current legal predicament a client is facing? A criminal lawyer in Kitchener may be highly skilled in domestic assault and aggravated assault cases, but lack experience in sexual assault cases. For this reason, it is critical a prospective client asks the criminal lawyer directly on their experience with cases that correlate to their own.

Moreover, a client should address the trial success rate attained by the criminal lawyer for the cases of interest to build the client’s confidence regarding the lawyer’s competence. Fourthly, how will the client be billed by the criminal lawyer in Kitchener? For example, does the lawyer request an hourly fee schedule, flat fee, a retainer, offer pro bono services (free legal services) or another type of billing (i.e. a hybrid billing type)? A client should address the billing schedule outlined by the criminal lawyer to ensure it will meet their financial needs. For instance, a client who is unable to offer a large sum of money before the trial (e.g. a retainer) may want to hire a criminal lawyer who incorporates an hourly fee schedule or pro bono services.

Fifthly, it is absolutely essential that a criminal lawyer in Kitchener possesses effective communication skills with their client. A client will be able to evaluate a criminal lawyer’s communication skills during the initial consultation meeting. Communication is the most important feature between a client and lawyer in developing the legal bond during the pre-trial and trial proceedings.

If a lawyer is unable to communicate in a way that a client understands, does not offer various communication channels for the client (e.g. email, text, call, skype etc.), or does not keep the client up-to-date with the trial steps then the client should hire a new criminal lawyer in Kitchener. By following the five keys aspects in hiring a criminal lawyer, one can be reassured they hire a lawyer who meets their needs and their financial capability.