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By Calvin Curtis, August 28, 2009 2:36 pm

There are a number of ways to select a lawyer.  Friends, neighbors and co-workers can tell you the names of lawyers they have worked with and share their experiences, both good and bad.  Utah Business magazine publishes an annual listing of “Utah’s Legal Elite.” Other organizations such as “The Best Lawyers in America” and Martindale-Hubbell also can lead you to reputable lawyers.  Visit the law firm’s website to learn more about the lawyer and their firm, and the lawyer’s credentials and experience.

Look for seasoned attorneys who belong to relevant professional organizations.  For example, in elder law, look for attorneys who belong to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and perhaps lawyers who have a certification in their field, from organizations such as the National Elder Law Foundation.  With regard to special needs trusts, look for lawyers selected for inclusion in the Special Needs Alliance, or perhaps lawyers who have joined the Academy of Special Needs Planners.

Once you have identified two or three possibilities, talk with them by telephone or ask to meet with them for a few minutes.  Explain briefly the nature of your legal needs.  Ask the lawyer how they charge for their services and when you can expect to have your work completed.  Select the attorney you feel most confident in and comfortable with.

A few brief words of caution.  Law is becoming ever more specialized, and you need to be sure the attorney you select has significant experience with the issues you need help with. A significant part of our practice is fixing problem special needs trusts.  Make sure you intend to use the services you are paying for.  Be wary of lawyers who appear to charge significantly less or more than their peers.  And be particularly wary of selecting an attorney based on the say so of morning talk show or cable television hosts and their guests.  Some lawyers pay large fees to talk show guests who in turn promote organization attorneys on television shows.  Some of these lawyers are no doubt qualified and capable.  However, not every member of the organization may be.  You still need to make sure the lawyer is qualified and right for you.