How to Choose the Right Attorney What to Look for Before You Hire

A legal matter isn’t just another task on your to-do list—it can shape your finances, your reputation, and even your future. Whether you’re dealing with a dispute, protecting your business, or navigating a major life change, the stakes are often higher than they first appear. Choosing the wrong attorney can be an expensive mistake. At the same time, finding the right attorney can feel overwhelming. With so many options—and so many claiming to be the best—it’s not always easy to tell who is truly qualified and who may fall short when it matters most.

That’s why it’s essential to have a clear framework for making your decision.

By focusing on five key factors—relevant experience, credentials, communication style, fee structure, and overall trustworthiness—you can cut through the noise and choose an attorney with confidence.

First impressions matter more than most people realize when choosing an attorney. In many cases, what you see on the surface is a strong indicator of how that attorney runs their practice behind the scenes. If a law office appears disorganized, chaotic, or poorly maintained, it can reflect deeper issues with attention to detail, time management, and overall professionalism.

Small warning signs—such as missed calls, long wait times, or vague explanations—are rarely isolated incidents. When you hear phrases like “this usually never happens,” it is worth considering that it may actually happen more often than you are being told.

You want an attorney who presents themselves and their practice in a way that inspires confidence—someone who is organized, prepared, and polished. The way a firm manages its daily operations, from scheduling to communication to document handling, is often a preview of how they will handle your case. Choosing someone who demonstrates consistency and professionalism from the very first interaction can make a meaningful difference in both your experience and your outcome.

One of the most common complaints about attorneys is poor communication. It can be incredibly frustrating to hire an attorney, pay significant fees, and then struggle to get a response when you need one.

That is why it is so important to understand upfront how your attorney will communicate with you. Some firms provide direct email access to the attorney, while others offer a direct phone line that allows calls or even texts. On the other end of the spectrum, some offices limit communication to a front desk that simply relays messages, which can slow things down and create unnecessary frustration. Additionally, consider whether the firm offers a client portal so you can view documents and case updates without having to request them.

It is also important to keep your expectations realistic. Attorneys have demanding schedules and may spend long hours in court, in client meetings, or working on other cases. This means you are unlikely to reach them immediately if you call at random. That said, leaving a voicemail or sending a text or email should reliably result in a response within 24 hours during the workweek. Prompt replies are a basic sign of professionalism and respect for your time, even if immediate conversations are not always possible.

Communication with your attorney also comes at a cost. Most attorneys bill for their time, so frequent or lengthy calls can quickly become expensive. It is important to keep conversations focused and purposeful. Sending multiple emails each day—especially with information you forgot to include in previous messages—can cause your costs to grow faster than expected.

Before reaching out, take a moment to clearly define what you want to discuss. Write down your questions or key points, then contact your attorney. This helps ensure your communication is efficient, productive, and cost-effective.

A judge will evaluate your attorney’s work—so why shouldn’t you?

Judging an attorney’s effectiveness based on reputation or advertising alone can be difficult, but you can review their work for yourself. Most court filings are public. With the attorney’s name and bar number, you can look up cases they are handling. For example, the Second Judicial District Court of Nevada provides online access to case information.

Once you have case numbers, you can request copies of filings directly from the court. Reading these documents can give you a clearer sense of the attorney’s skill, thoroughness, and approach. Be sure you are reviewing cases in the correct court district, especially if the attorney only practices in certain areas.

Most attorneys will not provide these filings themselves because they must protect client confidentiality. Rightly so—you would not want your own matters shared to attract new clients.

It is also wise to check with the Nevada State Bar for any disciplinary history or complaints. This is a simple way to confirm that the attorney is in good standing and practices professionally. You can search their records by name on the State Bar of Nevada’s website.

• Does this attorney have relevant experience with my type of case?
• What are this attorney’s credentials, and are they in good standing with the state bar?
• Has this attorney ever been disciplined or had bar complaints?
• Does the attorney appear organized, polished, and professional from the first interaction?
• Does the office seem well-run, responsive, and detail-oriented?
• How will I be able to communicate with the attorney?
• Will I have direct access by email, phone, or text, or only through staff?
• Does the firm offer a client portal so I can view documents and case updates?
• Is the attorney’s communication style clear, timely, and respectful?
• How is the attorney’s fee structure set up, and what will communication cost me?
• Do the attorney’s public court filings show thoroughness, skill, and professionalism?