Hiring Your First Lawyer: A Guide for First-Time Legal Representation

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, whether it’s a car accident, a workplace dispute, or a denied insurance claim, you may find yourself needing legal help. But if you've never hired a lawyer before, the process can seem confusing or even intimidating. 

What do you look for? How do you know if a lawyer is trustworthy? And how can you be sure they have your best interests at heart?

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their experience, background, or financial situation. That’s why we created this guide to walk you through the process of hiring your first lawyer, step by step. 

Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, a wrongful termination, or another legal matter, we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered every step of the way. To learn more about your legal options, contact us now for a free case evaluation.

First Thing to Know: Why You Might Need a Lawyer

Before diving into how to hire a lawyer, it’s helpful to understand when legal help might be necessary. Here are some common situations where hiring a lawyer can make a big difference.

Car Accidents or Injuries

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Workplace Disputes

Wrongful termination, workplace harassment, wage theft, or discrimination may require legal intervention to protect your rights.

Medical Malpractice

If a doctor or healthcare provider’s mistake led to injury or harm, legal action may help you hold them accountable.

Insurance Denials

If your claim for disability, homeowners, or health insurance is unfairly denied, a lawyer can help challenge the decision.

Consumer Protection Issues

Debt collection harassment, product liability, and class action lawsuits all fall under this category.

 

Step 1: Understand the Kind of Lawyer You Need

Law is a vast field, and most lawyers specialize in specific areas. Here are a few common types of lawyers you might need.

For instance, for a personal injury, such as a car accident, a personal injury attorney can help. Similarly, an employment lawyer can help with discrimination at work.

Many case types have specialized attorneys to meet your legal needs, and you can determine which kind of attorney you may need for free.

At Morgan & Morgan, we offer legal support across a wide range of practice areas, and you can find out what kind of lawyer best suits you with a free case evaluation.

Step 2: Research and Make a Shortlist

Once you know the type of lawyer you need, it’s time to do some research. Here’s how to start.

Ask for Referrals

Talk to friends, coworkers, or family members who’ve had a similar issue. Their experiences can point you in the right direction.

Search Online

Use trusted directories or legal review websites. Look at Google Reviews, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell for reputation and client testimonials.

Check Credentials

Make sure any lawyer you’re considering is licensed in your state and in good standing with the local bar association.

Consider Their Experience

A lawyer’s track record can speak volumes. Look for someone with a history of winning cases like yours.

 

Step 3: Schedule a Consultation

Morgan & Morgan offers free, no-obligation case evaluations to get started. This is your opportunity to discuss the facts of your case, ask questions about your legal options, and get a sense of the lawyer’s experience and approach.

Most importantly, it’s your chance to determine if the lawyer is someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

Here are some questions to ask during your consultation:

• Have you handled cases like mine before?
• What are the possible outcomes?
• What will the legal process look like?
• How long will the case likely take?
• How do you communicate with clients?
• What are your fees?
   

Step 4: Understand the Fee Structure

If this is your first time hiring a lawyer, one of the most important things to understand is how payment works. At Morgan & Morgan, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win your case. The Fee Is Free®, and you don’t pay a dime unless we win.

Here are common types of legal fee structures:

• Contingency Fee: You pay nothing unless you win. The lawyer takes a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This is standard in personal injury and consumer protection cases.
• Hourly Rate: Some lawyers charge by the hour, which can add up quickly. This is more common in business or family law matters.
• Flat Fee: A one-time charge for specific services, like drafting a will or handling a simple contract.
• Retainer Fee: A lump sum paid upfront to secure ongoing legal services, often billed against hourly work.
   

At Morgan & Morgan, our For the People philosophy means we work on contingency so you can pursue justice without financial risk.

Step 5: Check Communication Style and Compatibility

Good lawyers know the law. Great lawyers know how to communicate with their clients. When hiring your first lawyer, pay attention to:

Their Responsiveness

Do they return your calls and emails promptly?

Their Clarity

Do they explain things in a way you can understand, without overwhelming you with legal jargon?

Their Compassion

Do they seem to genuinely care about your case and your well-being?

At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys pride themselves on compassionate communication. We believe you deserve to feel heard, respected, and informed throughout your legal journey.

Step 6: Review the Retainer or Agreement Carefully

Once you’ve decided on a lawyer, you’ll usually be asked to sign a representation agreement. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the terms before signing.

Key things to look for:

• Scope of services
• Fees and payment terms
• How costs and expenses are handled
• Termination clause (what happens if you want to switch lawyers)

Remember: a good lawyer will walk you through the contract and make sure you understand every line.

Step 7: Trust the Process (And Ask Questions Along the Way)

Legal cases don’t resolve overnight. But with the right lawyer by your side, you can navigate the process with confidence.

Depending on your case, your lawyer might:

• Investigate the incident
• Collect medical records or documentation
• Interview witnesses
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies
• Represent you in court, if needed

If you ever feel unsure about what’s happening, speak up. A good attorney will always make time to answer your questions and keep you updated.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While most lawyers are ethical professionals, here are a few red flags to watch out for when hiring your first lawyer:

• Lack of transparency about fees or process
• High-pressure tactics to sign right away
• Guaranteeing results, which is unethical and often unrealistic
• Poor communication or unresponsiveness
• Bad online reviews or disciplinary action

At Morgan & Morgan, our reputation speaks for itself, with billions recovered for our clients and more than 1,000 attorneys across the country, we have the resources and passion to fight for you.

Why Morgan & Morgan?

If you’re hiring your first lawyer, you want someone who knows the law—and knows how to win. Millions of Americans have trusted Morgan & Morgan, and over 100,000 five-star reviews can confirm our clients’ satisfaction.

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with law offices in every state, we can offer help wherever you are. We charge no upfront fees and offer free case evaluations to get started, so that everyone has a chance at justice.

Hiring your first lawyer may feel overwhelming, but the right legal representation can make all the difference, not just in the outcome of your case, but in how empowered and supported you feel throughout the process.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re here to guide you through every step, from the first call to the final result. And because we don’t get paid unless you do, you can focus on what matters most: healing, recovery, and moving forward.

Ready to talk to a lawyer? Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. There’s no risk, no obligation—just the help you deserve.