Landlord-tenant attorneys focus on the legal issues surrounding tenant and landlord rights, and their legal knowledge can help even a veteran landlord manage a rental property. From drafting leases to processing evictions, a landlord attorney in Chicago is worth the investment. Finding the right lawyer can be difficult, but the tips below can help.
Use Local and State Resources
The state’s bar association keeps a list of practicing lawyers in the area, and online legal directories contain similar lists. Real estate and business publications sometimes offer ads for landlord attorneys, and they can be another great place to start.
Ask Industry Insiders
If a client knows a real estate agent or landlord, they can ask for referrals for a landlord attorney in Chicago. Those in the real estate industry are likely to know attorneys who focus on this area of the law, and they can also tell others which lawyers to avoid.
Ask Other Attorneys
Many people know lawyers who focus on other areas of law, but they may have professional connections to landlord attorneys. Just as some doctors focus on certain types of medicine, lawyers often have a narrow focus, and clients should not assume that any lawyer can handle this kind of work.
Make a List
Start looking for a landlord-tenant lawyer by making a short list. Call each lawyer on the list and make notes as to their accessibility. Clients should choose an attorney who is responsive in all situations, not just in emergencies.
Ask Questions
When a client interviews a potential lawyer, they should ask plenty of questions. For instance, it is important to find out how long the attorney has been practicing, and if they have worked with similar properties in the past. The more questions the client asks, the better they will get to know the lawyer’s personality, skill and communication style.
Don’t be Afraid to Switch
If a landlord attorney isn’t living up to their claims, the client should not hesitate to find a better match with a firm such as Starr Bejgiert Zink & Rowells. Whether an attorney is difficult to contact or there’s a simple personality conflict, the client should not be stuck with a lawyer who does not meet their needs. However, following the tips are given here should make these problems less likely.
