How to choose a good lawyer in Georgia: 6 tips

Choosing the right lawyer directly affects the outcome of your case. You can check a lawyer in a few simple steps — before you sign anything.

1. Check that they really are a lawyer

Every advocate in Georgia is listed in the Georgian Bar Association registry at gba.ge, with their name, specialisation and contact details. If someone isn't in the registry, they are not an advocate and cannot defend you in a criminal case.

2. Check the specialisation

A lawyer may have a general licence or one field — criminal, civil or administrative law. For a criminal case, choose a lawyer with a criminal or general specialisation; this is shown in the registry too.

3. Ask about experience

• How many years they have worked in this field
• Whether they have handled cases like yours — for example drugs, fraud or violence
• Whether they will work on the case personally or pass it on
• Whether they can be reached quickly — for example after an arrest

4. What to ask at the first meeting

• How they assess the case and what risks they see
• What they will do first
• How they will keep you informed
• What it costs and what the fee includes

5. The fee — upfront and in writing

A good lawyer tells you the price in advance and puts it in a contract: the cost, what it covers and how payment works. The fee depends on the complexity, stage and scope of the case.

6. Watch for warning signs

• They promise a guaranteed result — an honest lawyer never does
• They talk about “connections” in the court, prosecutor's office or police
• They ask for money “to pass on to someone” — that is a crime
• They won't sign a written contract
• They push you to decide and pay right now

When there is no time

If a relative has just been arrested, you can't check everything. At minimum: check the lawyer in the registry, ask about their criminal case experience and agree the fee in writing.

Criminal defence lawyer