Any time you need a lawyer, you want to hire the right person for the job. You have likely heard plenty of horror stories about bad lawyers, and the last thing you want to do is hire one of them, especially in a country where you have done little business in the past. There are wonderful lawyers out there. In order to find a Brazilian lawyer who will do a good job, follow these tips.
Tip #1: Avoid General Lawyers for Specific Needs
There are a lot of general practice lawyers out there and they might be very good at a lot of things, but that does not mean they will be good at what you need done. If you need something business-related, hire a business attorney. If you have a divorce, hire a family law lawyer. If you have an international contract, hire a lawyer with experience in drafting and reviewing such contracts. Find someone who specializes in your area of need. You might have to pay more, but the positive outcome will be well worth the cost.
Tip #2: Do Your Research
Do not simply go online or consult the phone book and hire the first lawyer you find. Even if you have a job that needs to get done in a hurry, it is worth a little extra time to find a lawyer that will meet your specific needs. Ask various lawyers within the community and get references. The more searching and research you do up front, the better your odds of getting a good, competent lawyer for your specific needs.
Tip #3: Sign Only When Comfortable
Once you meet with a lawyer, you will be presented with a contract that will include fee arrangements and other details. You should never sign this contract until you are completely comfortable with its terms. You must also understand all of the terms before you sign. If the lawyer is not willing to explain things to you, or tells you the contract is standard, be leery of what might lie in the fine print.
