Attorneys, we know them; we maybe don’t love them, but are you using the right one? According to Ipsos in 2023, around 25 million Americans felt as if they needed an attorney but did not know what kind to hire. Here in the state of Wisconsin, many of us are in the same boat; we have an issue; we know we need an attorney but aren’t sure what kind to use. Finding the right lawyer that fits you and your needs comes from the three C’s: competency, cost and communication. Using these tactics can help you make informed decisions by finding someone that is right for you.
Wisconsin ranks 35th in the United States with person to attorney ratio. According to the National Bar Association, there are 2.6 attorneys per 1,000 people. The biggest percentage of attorneys practice in either Milwaukee, Dane or Waukesha counties, due to many reasons, but the main one being location. With these facts, we see that rural areas are underrepresented by attorneys in the state of Wisconsin. This can be a scary fact and reality for many Wisconsinites, especially farmers, because they’re worried they’re going to find a lawyer who doesn’t know or understand agriculture. How do you find the right attorney who is going to help you out and understand the problems that rural Wisconsinites are facing?
Competency is one of the three items highlighted by Kelly Wilfert, a Wisconsin-based farm lawyer who works for UW-Extension as a Farm Law Outreach Specialist. She shared that you should be looking for a lawyer who speaks and advocates for an issue you are having. She also shares that attorneys and lawyers are not competent in every subject, and they are only allowed to take on cases that they know front and back.
Cost is also another subject that Kelly touched on. Attorneys can be expensive due to so many things, but most rates are based on experience level, geographic location and degree of specialization. Rates come either at an hourly or flat rate; however most are by the hour. An average cost for an attorney can be anywhere from $100 to $2,225, with the average being around $375/hour. Another question you should be asking yourself is how are you planning to manage that cost? Kelly also made the statement: “You can spend the money upfront, and have it done right, or you can spend less upfront, and spend more during litigation.”
Communication is the final ‘C’ Kelly made a point to cover. Communication is a large factor in determining whether an attorney is right for you and your needs or not. Kelly brought up the point that the first call you make to a law office may not be the lawyer or attorney right away. It may consist of an assistant or paralegal. They can help you make time to see a lawyer or even help you find someone who is competent in your case. Due to the fact that there’s a chance that the lawyer you are looking into is not living in the same spot you are, Kelly advises putting the location of the office into your thoughts as well. This can also determine how you meet, whether it’s over the phone or in person.
Competency, cost and communication are the building blocks and foundation to help you pick a lawyer to help with your case. Do not be afraid to pick up that phone and reach out to different law offices. They are here to help you with your cases but make sure to find one who is competent in your case, knows what they’re worth and can get you to where you need to be.
Frannie Everson is a junior studying animal science at UW-River Falls. She grew up on a small hobby farm in Alma Center, Wis., raising diversified livestock for showing at the Jackson County Fair and Wisconsin State Fair. She is excited for the opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin Farm Bureau through the event ambassador program. Frannie served as one of the WFBF Event Ambassadors in 2025.
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