HOW TO CHOOSE A LAWYER

INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAWYER

DEFINE YOUR PROBLEM. Is it litigation? Probate of a will? Divorce? Litigationconporate lawsuits and the like—often requires an entire team of lawyers. Smaller matters, such as custody issues and wills, usually can be dealt with one-on-one.

CHOOSE A SPECIALIST. Should you turn to your cousin who practices in Indiana for divorce advice in Massachusetts? Probably not. Find a lawyer who has experience with your issues and concerns.

DEFINE YOUR TACTICS. If you're waging war—take no prisoners, win at all costsyou likely need an aggressive, hard-line lawyer. If you're after reasonable results or compromise, consider a lawyer with a more gentle approach. (Incidentally, war is often costlier than compromise, at least in lawyers' fees.)

DECIDE YOUR LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT. Staying on top of your legal matter can sometimes—but not always—assist in keeping costs down. On the other hand, costs go up if your lawyer has to report to or consult with you frequently. Keep your involvement at an appropriate level, which means ensuring that you're kept apprised of all important developments.

KNOW THE COST. Expenses involve hourly rates, possible contingent billing and, of course, the lawyer you pick to handle the job. You'd probably get better access to a less-expensive, junior person, but sometimes you need to pay $300 for the experience of the name partner.

KNOW WHERE TO LOOK. Consult trusted friends or other lawyers for recommendations. Check the Martindale-Hubbell directory of lawyers (www.lawyers.com), which lists educational background, areas of practice, publications, memberships and awards. Some state and local bar associations maintain a registry of lawyers but would probable not provide specific recommendations. If you want to find a fellow alum, check the Dartmouth Lawyers Association directory.

Martin at one of his main events

Murphy, a former president of the DartmouthLawyers Association, is a partner with Adduci,Mastriani & Schaumberg in Washington, D.C.She majored in government.

Diane Cyr is a LosAngeles-basedfreelance writer.