“Settling in court is unfortunate”. Going to court or getting involved in legal issues remains an uncommon activity in the minds of Vietnamese people. Changing perceptions and ways of thinking is not easy when facing an immediate legal situation. How to handle a legal issue?

Finding the right lawyer is the first victory. A good and reliable lawyer can relieve your worries. He or she can effectively handle your legal matters. Thus, do not hesitate to reach out to them for the quickest and most suitable solutions for your legal problems. 

In recent years, more and more people have needed legal services from lawyers. However, most do not know how to find a reliable, professional lawyer when needed. A phone number or a short ad cannot demonstrate the full potential and the suitability of a lawyer. It is important to obtain enough information to make a proper decision.

What are the standards for finding the right lawyer?

There are no clear criteria to assess a lawyer – this is very difficult. Being a lawyer is a noble profession. This role contributes to bringing fairness and order to society, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of infringed organizations and individuals. Good lawyers are evaluated based on their professional knowledge, personal experience, ethics, and competency. The common qualities of a good lawyer are as follows.

A good lawyer has highly specialized knowledge

A successful lawyer must be fully equipped with professional knowledge and social understanding. A high level of education and professional skills are two top qualities to make a good lawyer. They acquire professional knowledge from education, books, or work. A good foundation of industry knowledge is a must to provide practical advice to clients.

Having an analytical and logical mind

A good lawyer must possess the ability to think logically, and legally, and to analyze problems. With each client, lawyers will have to deal with different issues of varying complexity. There is no fixed formula that applies to all legal matters. 

Therefore, the key difference between a good lawyer and a mediocre lawyer lies in the ability to understand and analyze problems. A good lawyer can utilize their analytical and deductive abilities to solve tricky legal situations with the simplest and most complete solution.

Having communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills

A lawyer supports and assists clients in working with state agencies, e.g. the Investigation Agency, the Procuracy, the Court, etc. Should a lawyer lack communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills, would the client’s problem be resolved effectively? Therefore, the criteria to identify a good lawyer must include these skills.

Having in-the-field experience related to the problem

Finding a lawyer who you can trust is important, but he or she also needs to be a good lawyer with extensive experience related to the field of your problem. Even when they are equipped with relevant legal knowledge, a lack of practical experience could possibly lead to consequences that they cannot control. This can slow down the work and trouble the clients.

Being a thorough, meticulous person who stays with the issue and is honest and objective about the clients’ problems

When a legal problem occurs, all clients want it to be resolved as quickly as possible. In providing legal services, a good lawyer needs to regularly respond to and keep their clients informed on the situation and results of the settlement. A good lawyer does not always comply with all clients’ requests, but rather, he or she addresses the matter frankly and honestly, balancing the wishes of the clients against the law, and explaining the legal issues to clients in the most easy-to-understand way, along with feasible solutions.

A good lawyer never promises the results of the case

In fact, no one can guarantee the results of a lawsuit or a settlement negotiation. Even though cases may share similar facts, other elements are different, such as the state agency handling the case, the client’s wishes, and financial capability, all of which can lead to completely different results. 

In essence, a good lawyer gives you the best advice and helps get you the most favorable outcome under the particular conditions of your case.

A good lawyer upholds professional rules of conduct

Some say that lawyers are like snakes with boneless, bendy tongues, who are always ready to lie. This saying stems from cases in which some people deliberately distorted the truth for personal gain. 

A lawyer who does not uphold the law’s integrity and truthfulness will eventually influence the clients to violate the law. Thus, people seeking out lawyers willing to exploit any means to fulfill their aim will only benefit themselves in the short term. In the long run, no one can assure whether both the lawyers and the clients will be facing more severe consequences or not.

A work enthusiast

Successful lawyers almost always have a real passion for their work. This is the ideal combination of skills and interests. We all feel happier, more fulfilled, and more productive if we live true to our passion.

Being qualified and capable in a foreign language

In this day and age, it is imperative for lawyers to be multilingual. By reading and researching foreign publications and newspapers, becoming fluent in another language helps improve a lawyer’s legal knowledge. Language aptitude can also help lawyers expand their employment opportunities in a variety of fields and professional environments, as well as take part in international cases.

Continuously develop knowledge and skills

Last but certainly not least, constantly acquiring new knowledge and developing skills are vital. This enables lawyers to keep up to date with current changes in the law, to utilize their expertise skillfully, and assist in providing prompt service for clients in accordance with the newest regulations.

In which situations do you need to find a good lawyer?

Today, the client’s financial and intellectual capabilities enable them to acquire the services of lawyers to protect and defend themselves when entangled in legal matters. The question is, when should you hire a lawyer?

The time to hire a lawyer depends on the client’s demands and circumstances. A client often needs a lawyer in times of worry and confusion. To avoid making hasty decisions, clients should equip themselves with the basic information for hiring a lawyer. Clients should seek legal counsel and assistance early on in the following matters:

Matters that frequently arise, such as transactions and contract signings. A good lawyer can help you adopt an appropriate direction and ensure the effectiveness of the transaction, as well as minimize risks and losses.

Matters involving regular oral, verbal and/or written civil transactions. This can improve your business productivity. 

Civil disputes, such as disputes of land, property, child custody, inheritance, contracts, etc., to receive guidance for a beneficial resolution. The lawyers will provide detailed counseling so that the clients can wisely decide how to proceed with the case and achieve better results.

Matters involving administrative or civil procedures, e.g. transactions of real estate, trademarks, intellectual property rights, etc. The lawyer will provide guidance on pertinent legal issues, verify information provided by the clients, and ensure that the transaction is valid under the law to prevent unnecessary losses.

Criminal cases: If the client is the victim, the legal counsel will offer advice and give services to protect the client’s rights and interests. If the client is the accused or the defendant, the objective is to reduce the penalty range.

How to find a good lawyer?

Finding the ideal lawyer to represent you might be the most important step to winning your case, yet doing so is not so simple. Please refer to the guide below – distilled from experience – on how to choose a lawyer with the necessary expertise and skills to help you gain the greatest advantage!

Identify the speciality your legal issue falls into before searching

“Lawyer” in Vietnam is a common career title without clear specialization. When choosing legal specialties, you can choose between criminal, civil, commercial, administrative, and international law. Every lawyer tends to specialize in certain areas during their practice. Even the top criminal expert may fail to meet the basic standards when participating in an international case. Moreover, experience, proactiveness, and enthusiasm all have a significant impact on a lawyer’s success. You should first identify the relevant legal specialty, then draw up a list of lawyers who are practicing in that niche.

Ask for recommendations from relatives and friends

Reach out to friends or relatives who have hired a lawyer. Find out which lawyer they engaged with, what services were required, and whether they were satisfied. Ask them whether you should hire those lawyers.

Searching through newspapers and professional forums

Newspapers and professional forums often invite lawyers with a high level of expertise and experience to consult and give opinions on legal topics, current regulations, and legal events that draw public attention. You can form first-hand evaluations of whether or not the lawyer’s working style is suitable for your needs, based on how those lawyers communicate and voice their opinions. At professional forums, you have the opportunity to talk directly with the lawyers to learn more about them.

Look for information on lawyers on credible websites

The Internet is an extremely good source to locate a lawyer. The majority of law practices have websites, and many websites maintain a listing of lawyers nationwide. Once you have the lawyer’s name, you can get a decent grasp on the lawyer you intend to hire from the website of the legal firm they’re working for.

Contact your local bar association for information on qualified lawyers in your local area

Make a list of potential lawyers after browsing the internet or listening to the advice of friends or relatives. Then, visit the lawyer’s webpage to learn more about their  background, ranking, accomplishments, credentials, expertise, and clients’ reviews. 

Please note that the internet should only be used primarily as a source of reference. Choosing a lawyer requires an unbiased assessment from in-person exchanges and meetings.

Schedule some meetings with several lawyers

Once you’ve done your research, you should make an appointment or visit the lawyers’ offices to see them in person. Let them introduce themselves or consult you on your issues. Initial face-to-face meetings with the lawyers under consideration is essential. Remember to bring all the documents and prepare relevant information when meeting them.

Prepare a list of questions for the meeting

Questions such as: 

• What area of law does this case belong to? 
• What are the realistic and possible results of the case? 
• What are the lawyer’s opinions on how to handle your case? 
• Does the lawyer propose an aggressive strategy or a calm, careful one? 
• Put into consideration your level of comfort when meeting with a lawyer and personality compatibility. Do you feel confident in your lawyer’s reliability? 
• Does the lawyer seem to understand what they’re talking about? 
• Does the lawyer seem confident and competent in the field of the case and in handling the case? 

You should not make a decision to hire the first lawyer you meet. Try to schedule meetings with at least two lawyers before deciding which one to hire. Keep in mind that you are interviewing that lawyer for a position, so think of the meeting as a job interview. If you feel that the lawyer does not meet your standards, consider a different one. Go for the one who makes you feel the most comfortable and trustworthy.

Above are the experiences as well as the necessary steps to select and acquire a lawyer with experience and capable of serving your best interests. For additional information on how to find the right lawyer, feel free to contact us at: info@letranlaw.com.