Lawyers in St. Augustine, FL

How to choose a lawyer in St. Augustine

1. Match the lawyer to the problem

   A closing attorney, a divorce lawyer and a criminal defense lawyer are different trades. Ask what share of the practice is cases like yours and when they last handled one in St. Johns County.

2. Check The Florida Bar record

   Every Florida lawyer has a public profile on floridabar.org showing license status, board certification and any discipline. It takes a minute and settles most questions about credentials.

3. Get the fee structure in writing

   Hourly, flat fee and contingency all show up here. Florida requires written contingency agreements, and good firms put every arrangement in an engagement letter. Ask what is billed beyond the attorney's time.

4. Ask who actually does the work

   At larger firms a paralegal or junior associate may handle most of your file. That can be fine and cheaper, but you should know who to call and what their rate is.

5. Notice how they communicate

   If the office takes three days to return a call before you hire them, it will not improve after. Ask how often you will hear from them and whether email or a client portal is used.

What legal services cost in St. Johns County →