If you are in the market for a Phoenix lawyer you shouldn't have much trouble finding one. Although I was unable to find any statistics for the City of Phoenix itself, according to the Arizona State Bar website Maricopa County is home to 12,016 lawyers. That means there are more lawyers in Phoenix than the total population of the towns where many of us grew up. I grew up in Boise, Idaho when the population was well under 100,000 (it has grown since), and other than one guy at church don't think I ever even met a lawyer growing up.
Now I know that Phoenix is a big city, but twelve thousand lawyers still seems like a lot. I have been a lawyer practicing in Tucson and Phoenix for well over a decade now, and I was stunned by that number. I still don't know that many lawyers, but maybe that's because I try to avoid them now.
So what does it mean when you can't hardly turn around without bumping into a lawyer? Well, it certainly means that if you need to hire a Phoenix lawyer you'll have a wide selection to choose from. That choice, however, can sometimes be paralyzing.
Of course, you may also be surprised to discovery that its not always that easy to find the right lawyer for you. Many of Phoenix's 12,000 lawyers work for the government in various capacities, while others work for companies or large law firms catering to the needs of large companies. The balance work for smaller law firms or practice alone, usually emphasizing certain practice areas in which they have some level of experience and/or expertise.
Most people and small businesses will look to a small or mid-size law firm and, if they are smart, will shop around for a lawyer who is the right fit. I would advise people looking for a Phoenix lawyer to research on the internet, ask friends and colleagues for referrals, and then meet with a few different lawyers to discuss the legal problem in detail. Only after one feels comfortable on a personal level and satisfied with the costs and proposed legal strategy should a lawyer be selected.
Obviously, if it looks like my firm might be the right fit, I'd love to have you consider Harper Law for your Phoenix lawyer needs. Even if we don't practice the type of law you need, we can help you find the right lawyer and negotiate the terms of representation.
This blog entry was written by Arizona attorney Kevin R. Harper.
