Things to ask when choosing/interviewing lawyers

Unfortunately, all of us at one time or another will need the services of a good lawyer. It could be a criminal charge, a lawsuit, contract disputes, etc. To make sure you hire a competent and experienced person, there are several things you should ask when choosing or interviewing attorneys.

Many attorneys provide free initial consultations. Just because the consultation won’t cost you anything, don’t take the meeting lightly. Bring any information and paperwork you may have so the attorney can immediately take stock of your case from the start.

Both you and the lawyer take advantage of the first meeting to determine if the lawyer is right for your case. Initially, you should look to learn the attorney’s specialties.

Law school, like medical school, is just the starting point. Upon graduation and admission to the bar, most attorneys delve into a particular area of ​​law and focus their efforts and continuing education on that practice. Ask the attorney how many years of experience they have handling cases like yours. Lawyers who specialize in a specific, limited field of law are often much more effective than those who practice many aspects.

Since the lawyer works for you, it is entirely appropriate to ask him about the strategy he will follow to achieve the result you want. Again, all lawyers work a little differently. Some like to take a very aggressive tack, while others prefer a softer approach. It is advisable to consult several attorneys so that you have a good idea of ​​the types of strategies available.

It is important to find out how the lawyer works. If your case is complicated, ask if the lawyer will use a team. Lawyers have dozens of cases going on at a time, and if they typically work alone, they may not be able to devote the necessary time to your case. At a minimum, the lawyer should have a couple of assistants or legal assistants who can do the actual work while the lawyer formulates a strategy and analyzes data and evidence.

Clearly, one very important thing to ask yourself when choosing a lawyer is how much they charge. Many personal injury or liability attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that the law firm is not paid until they negotiate some type of financial settlement for you. Ask about the contingency percentage, as well as incidental charges. Matters like wills or incorporations are usually done at a flat fee, but many cases are taken at an hourly rate that typically ranges from $100 to $300.