Once in a while, I am asked, “Why shouldn’t I hire the cheapest attorney? Aren’t you lawyers all the same anyway?” Most of our clients actually don’t ask this question because they are taking their cases seriously and looking for quality counsel. But when you are in the beginning stages of looking for a law firm — perhaps maybe even for the first time ever — this is a fair question.
In my experience, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is almost always true, even when it comes to finding the right law firm.
Why do some attorneys have lower fees?
I have found that there are three main reasons why an attorney may charge a low fee—and these reasons will explain why there is likely only one loser in a “cheapest fee arrangement.”
1. The cheapest fee lawyer is likely running a volume-based practice, and if so, there is very little chance that your case will get proper focus, the focus you deserve.
2. This lawyer might be what is called a “door lawyer.” That means if you walk through his door, this lawyer is your lawyer! He or she likely isn’t as experienced on the particulars your type of case, because he or she practices in a multitude of different areas of law.
3. Lastly, a cheapest fee lawyer might be just out of law school, maybe generally inexperienced, or not yet well-known in the community. The lawyer might be learning on your case and because of that, is unable to charge a normal fee for the service.
In the end, it is only you who suffers…
As you can see, in all three of these, it is only you, the client, who suffers! Now, I’m not sure about you, but I certainly would not want to hire a volume-practice doctor, who takes all types of cases indiscriminately, and/or who might be inexperienced in my type of case! No, not good!
I have never heard of a client who was unhappy about hiring the best doctor—or about hiring the best attorney either, but I have heard many, many bad stories about those who hired the cheapest.
Your case is about your life. This is important stuff we are talking about. We at Holcomb Law will handle your case like it is our own. In fact, many of us here have actually been in your situation right now. If you would like to schedule an initial consultation, or are ready to retain an attorney, or if you just have questions about the process, give us a call at 757-656-1000 or email us at info@attorneyholcomb.com. You don’t have to go through this alone.