About Choosing a Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer for you and your case is complex and important. Below are some important things to consider in making this critical choice.

A Guide to Choosing The Right Lawyer for You

Investigate
  • Investigate the background and experience of any lawyer you are considering, BEFORE you meet with the lawyer.
  • Talk with people who have been represented by that lawyer; find out whether they were satisfied with their representation.
Check AZbar.org
  • is licensed in Arizona
  • has been disciplined by the Bar
  • has experience and expertise in the area of law in which you need representation
Ask a lawyer you know
  • If you know any lawyers, ask them for recommendations. 
  • Members of the profession usually know who will provide the best representation, and, if not, will probably be able to obtain recommendations from reliable lawyers.
Use professional rating services
  • Look for lawyers and law firms with an AV rating from Martindale-Hubble, a longstanding legal rating service that rates lawyers throughout the United States.
  • Martindale-Hubble lawyer ratings are AV, BV and CV.
  • The highest rating a lawyer can receive is the AV rating, which assesses both competence and ethics.
  • SuperLawyers is another service that provides its ratings based upon independent research and peer reviews.
Look for extensive trial experience
  • Lawyers who know their way around a courtroom will be able to better advise you as to how your case might turn out if it went to trial, and will not be afraid to go to trial if settlement is not possible.
  • Look for lawyers with extensive trial experience if you are seeking help in any legal matter.
Meet lawyers before deciding
  • The only reason to retain a lawyer is to obtain their advice and benefit from their experience on how to best handle your case.
  • Meeting each lawyer offers you a chance to know if you feel comfortable with them and will be able to trust their counsel.
  • If you do not trust the lawyer, you likely will not follow their advice, which would only waste your money and jeopardize your case.

#7 Ask Lawyers to explain their proposed fee agreement

  • Finally, make sure the lawyer explains to you their agreement for fees and expenses.
  • The State Bar of Arizona requires such an agreement, so be sure the lawyer puts everything about your fee agreement in writing.
  • Review the written agreement carefully and ask questions if you do not understand the terms BEFORE signing it.

Why choose Ralph E. Ellinwood Attorney at Law PLLC?

  • Ralph E. Ellinwood is AV Preeminant rated by Martindale-Hubble and a Super Lawyer and is in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
  • Mr. Ellinwood has extensive trial experience and can establish a one-on-one relationship with you and handle your case with personal care.
  • You can be assured that Mr. Ellinwood will provide competent advice and professional service in a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Mr. Ellinwood will answer your questions about fee arrangements and expenses to help you will understand the process.