If you’re searching for a Chesterfield personal injury lawyer, you’re probably getting results for Missouri attorneys and Missouri lawyers. The difference between a lawyer and an attorney is often a source of confusion for clients.
While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. It’s helpful to understand the difference so you can find the right person for your case.
Here’s a look at the difference between a lawyer and an attorney. For questions or to discuss your case, schedule a free consultation with a Chesterfield law firm.
Lawyer vs. Attorney in Missouri
A lawyer is anyone who has a legal education and has received a law degree or Juris Doctor. The term lawyer refers to a person who is educated in the law but not necessarily licensed to practice law.
In contrast, an attorney has a legal education and is licensed to practice law.
To become licensed to practice law in Missouri, an individual must:
- Have a law degree
- Pass the bar examination
- Meet the state’s fitness and character requirements
To represent clients and provide legal advice, an attorney must be licensed to practice law in Missouri. Practicing law without a license is a criminal offense that can result in significant penalties.
A client in need of legal representation needs an attorney. The terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. Even so, when searching for a lawyer, it’s important to make sure that the individual is licensed to practice law in Missouri.
Picking the Right Attorney for Your Case
Choosing the right attorney is a big decision that can significantly impact your success and the compensation you receive. When searching for an attorney, you need someone with a track record of success in cases similar to yours.
It’s important to choose an attorney who has experience with your type of case. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident, you need an attorney with extensive experience dealing with trucking companies and trucking accidents.
To find the right lawyer for your case:
Ask for Referrals
If you know someone who recently hired the type of lawyer you need, ask them for a recommendation. If you work with an attorney for other matters – for example, estate planning or a family lawyer – ask them for recommendations. Referrals from satisfied clients or other attorneys are a great place to start when searching for legal representation.
Read Reviews
If you’re looking for a specialized attorney in your area – for example, a Chesterfield wrongful death lawyer, if you’ve lost a loved one – read online reviews about local attorneys.
Research Attorneys
Once you have a short list of local attorneys, review their websites to learn more about them. This will tell you more about their areas of expertise and the results they’ve gotten for their clients.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Most attorneys offer an initial free consultation. If you have a short list of two to three attorneys, schedule a free consultation with each to determine who is a good fit for your case.
What to Ask During an Initial Consultation
The free consultation is a great opportunity to get to know an attorney and determine whether they’re right for your case. During an initial consultation, the attorney will ask you about your case.
In addition to discussing your case, you should be prepared to ask questions.
Here are some questions to ask during an initial consultation with a Missouri lawyer:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- How much experience do you have handling cases like mine?
- What is your success rate?
- How often do you settle cases?
- How many cases have you tried?
- Who will be the lead attorney on my case?
- Who will I contact with questions or for case updates?
- What is your fee structure?
- What costs or expenses will I be responsible for in addition to attorney fees?
- What do you think about my case?
The attorney’s response to these questions will give you a sense of how they’ll handle your case and whether they’re someone you can work well with.
Contact a Chesterfield Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact a Chesterfield personal injury attorney to discuss your claim and learn whether a lawyer or attorney is a good fit for your case.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
