Answered by Sidi Mostafa Azzam
I was not born with a madhhab, and my parents and community do not follow a madhhab. I am in the process of choosing, and I’m probably going to go with Shafii because it is the majority in Syria from what I understand, and I am Syrian. I am also considering Hanbali.
It is permissible for you to follow any one of the four Sunni schools of fiqh, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi`i, or Hanbali, provided that you can learn it properly. Your ability to learn the school properly is your primary consideration. That varies from person to person. Whichever you choose, commit to it, learn it well, and apply it. If you have more than one school available to you, then choose one. You mentioned the Hanafi, Shafi`i, and Hanbali schools. The following are some practical considerations for you.
In Syria (where I have studied), both the Hanafi and Shafi`i schools are widespread. Realize that the majority school in most places that madhhabs exist is the Hanafi school. Most places you go, you can find a Hanafi teacher to teach you your basics. The Shafi`i school has the most texts available in understandable English. The Hanafi school is generally more flexible (particularly in transactions). The Shafi`i school is generally simpler to learn.
The Hanbali school has fewer resources than any other school for people wishing to study in the West—whether teachers or texts in English—and has few available to Arabic-speakers.
And Allah knows best.