Choosing a lawyer shouldn’t feel like a maze. mylawyer360 brings together plain-English legal education, attorney matching, and practical tools so you can move from “not sure where to start” to a confident plan of action. This guide shows exactly how to use mylawyer360—from first search to signed engagement—without wasting time or money.
mylawyer360 at a Glance
- What it is: A legal-tech platform that helps you understand your options, compare attorneys by specialty and location, and book confidential consultations.
- What it isn’t: It isn’t your attorney. Personalized legal advice comes from a licensed lawyer you retain via the platform.
- Why it helps: You get clarity before you commit—guides, checklists, and targeted consults reduce uncertainty and save time.
When to Use mylawyer360 (and When Not To)
Great Fit
- Personal injury, family law, employment, immigration, consumer issues
- Starting or formalizing a business; contract reviews and negotiations
- You need a quick orientation + shortlist of relevant attorneys
Maybe Not
- Hyper-specialized matters with very niche counsel needs
- Emergency situations that require immediate in-person representation
- DIY-only tasks you fully understand and accept the risk for
The 360° Roadmap: From Search to Signed Engagement
- Define the mission: In one paragraph, state your goal (e.g., “negotiate severance,” “file uncontested divorce,” “form an LLC with two founders”).
- Scan the library: On mylawyer360, read the primers for timelines, required documents, and typical outcomes in your jurisdiction.
- Shortlist attorneys: Filter by practice area and region; note experience, case focus, and signals of fit.
- Book consults: Schedule 1–2 initial calls. Bring a timeline, documents, and your “success criteria.”
- Compare approaches: Ask each lawyer for strategy, risks, and fee structure. Capture notes in a simple grid.
- Confirm scope & fees: Choose the attorney who best matches your goals and communication style. Request a written engagement letter.
- Execute the plan: Follow the agreed roadmap, keep documents organized, and maintain clear communication.
Case Blueprints: Real-World Scenarios
1) Personal Injury (Auto Collision)
Goal: Recover medical costs and lost wages.
- Gather evidence: photos, police report, medical records, treatment plan.
- On mylawyer360, shortlist plaintiff-side injury attorneys; ask about experience with your injury type.
- Consult on statute of limitations, comparative negligence, and expected timelines.
2) Startup Formation (Two Co-Founders)
Goal: Incorporate, allocate equity, and protect IP.
- Prepare founder roles, vesting expectations, and a high-level cap table.
- Match with startup counsel; review formation type, founder agreements, and IP assignment.
- Confirm flat-fee packages and deliverables (bylaws, operating agreement, EIN, state filings).
3) Employment Dispute (Wage/Hour)
Goal: Recover unpaid overtime.
- Assemble pay stubs, schedules, emails, and policy docs.
- On mylawyer360, filter for employee-side attorneys; ask about class vs. individual claims.
- Discuss evidence preservation, retaliation protections, and remedies.
Legal Fees 101: Models, Pros & Cons
| Model | Typical Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | Complex, open-ended matters | Flexible; pay for actual time | Hard to predict total cost |
| Flat Fee | Formations, trademark filings, uncontested work | Predictable; scope defined up front | Changes of scope require add-ons |
| Contingency | Many personal injury cases | No upfront legal fee; aligned incentives | Percentage of recovery; not for all matters |
| Hybrid | Litigation & negotiated matters | Balances certainty and flexibility | Requires careful scoping |
Tip: Always ask for a written engagement letter outlining scope, fee model, billing cadence, and who will handle day-to-day work.
Quality Signals & Red Flags
Positive Signals
- Clear explanation of strategy and alternatives
- Experience with similar fact patterns in your jurisdiction
- Transparent fees and timelines
- Good communication fit and responsiveness
Red Flags
- Guarantees of outcomes (no one can promise a result)
- Vague billing or reluctance to provide an engagement letter
- Pressure to sign quickly without time for questions
- Poor listening or dismissive attitude toward your goals
Consultation Toolkit: Scripts, Questions, Checklist
Email/Message Script to Book a Consult
Hi [Attorney Name],
I found you via mylawyer360. I’m seeking help with [matter type] in [state/city]. My goal is [desired outcome].
I can share a brief timeline and documents before our call. Do you have availability this week?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Smart Questions to Ask
- Based on my facts, what are the strongest options and main risks?
- How would you approach this—settlement first or litigation-ready?
- What work happens in the first 30–60 days?
- What fee model fits this matter, and what’s included?
- Who will handle my case day-to-day, and how do we communicate?
Bring This to the First Call
- One-paragraph summary and outcome goal
- Timeline of key dates (incident, notices, filings)
- Essential documents (contracts, emails, photos, medical/HR records)
- Opposing party names (to run conflicts)
Privacy & Security Basics
- Share sensitive details only through secure channels on mylawyer360.
- Review the platform’s current privacy policy before uploading documents.
- Avoid posting case details publicly; it can affect outcomes.
FAQs
Is mylawyer360 free?
Educational resources are often free. Consultations and legal services are billed by each attorney.
Does mylawyer360 provide legal advice?
No—only a licensed lawyer you retain can provide legal advice. mylawyer360 connects you to those attorneys.
How does matching work?
You filter by practice area and location, then compare profiles, experience, and client insights to select who to consult.
Can I use mylawyer360 on mobile?
Yes, you can research topics and book consultations from your phone or tablet.
Bottom Line
If you want clarity, speed, and a confident next step, mylawyer360 is a strong starting point. Use the library to orient, the matching tools to shortlist, and your consultation to lock in strategy and scope—then move forward with a lawyer who fits your goals and budget.