Group

What actually helped me (different mess—minor property dispute, same panic) was acting like I’m hiring a contractor: define the job, shortlist, quick consults, pick the person who makes me calmer, not louder. I wrote a one-sentence problem statement so I didn’t ramble, then pulled a local list and filtered by practice areas and driving distance. From there I did two 15-minute calls and compared vibes. My mini-checklist: 1) do they respond inside a business day, 2) can they map the first 30 days in plain steps (letters to send, documents to gather, decision points), 3) are fees transparent—retainer size, hourly vs. flat for discrete tasks, and what counts as extras like filings or couriers. I brought a single-page packet—dates, photos, any messages—so we spent the consult on options instead of scrolling my phone. If you want a neutral starting point, I keep this bookmarked and pull two or three names each time: Lawyers in Quesnel, BC. I also ask about phone/video slots because winter roads and shift work are real. Final filter: the one who translates without condescension and gives me at least two realistic paths (quick settle vs. push further) usually wins. If I leave the call knowing exactly what happens this week and roughly what it costs, that’s my green light; if it’s fog and drama, I thank them and move on.