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General Practice Attorney vs. Specialist: Which Do You Need?

A general practice attorney handles a wide range of everyday legal matters instead of focusing on one area. In smaller towns, general practitioners are often the only lawyers around, and many people use the same one for years. Knowing what they do well, and when to ask for a referral, saves time and money.

What general practice lawyers usually handle

  • Wills, simple trusts and powers of attorney.
  • Residential real estate: closings, deeds and simple title issues.
  • Small business basics: forming an LLC, reviewing contracts and leases.
  • Uncontested divorces and simple family matters.
  • Traffic tickets and minor criminal charges.
  • Small estates through probate.
  • Landlord-tenant issues and small civil disputes.

The advantages of a generalist

  • One relationship. A lawyer who knows your family and business can spot connections, like how a divorce affects your will or your company.
  • Local knowledge. In small communities, general practitioners know the local judges, clerks and procedures.
  • Cost. Rates are often lower than specialist firms in big cities, and many routine matters are flat-fee.

When you need a specialist

Ask for a referral, or go straight to a specialist, when:

  • The stakes are high: a felony charge, a serious injury case, a contested custody fight, a large estate or a significant tax problem.
  • The law is technical: patents, immigration, complex tax, securities, ERISA benefits or medical malpractice.
  • The case is going to trial against a specialist firm on the other side.
  • Federal court or an agency is involved, where procedure is very different.

Good general practitioners know their limits and refer out regularly. Ask directly: "How many cases like mine have you handled in the last few years?"

How to choose

  1. Ask what share of their practice is the kind of work you need.
  2. Ask how they bill: hourly, flat fee or contingency.
  3. Ask who will do the work, and how quickly they return calls.
  4. Check their license and any discipline with your state bar.

Find a general practice attorney near you. Related: small claims court vs. hiring a lawyer.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.