Things to Ask When Choosing/Interviewing Lawyers
Unfortunately, all of us at one time or another will require the services of a good attorney. It could be a criminal charge, a lawsuit, contract disputes, etc. To make sure that you are retaining a competent and experienced person, there are several things to ask when choosing or interviewing lawyers.
Many lawyers provide free initial consultations. Just because the consultation will not cost you anything, do not take the meeting casually. Bring all information and paperwork you may have so the attorney is able to immediately take stock of your case from the outset.
Both you and the attorney use the first meeting to determine if the lawyer is right for your case. Initially, you should be seeking to learn the attorney’s specialties.
Law school, like medical school, is just the starting point. Once they graduate and are admitted 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 she has in handling cases like yours. Lawyers who specialize in a narrow, specific field of law are often much more effective than those who practice numerous aspects.
Since the lawyer works for you, it is entirely appropriate to ask about the strategy he will take in pursuing the outcome you are wishing for. Again, all lawyers work a little differently. Some like to take a very aggressive tack while others lean to a more genteel approach. It is wise to consult several lawyers so that you get a good feel for the types of strategies available.
It is important to find out how the attorney works. If your case is complicated, ask if the attorney will be using a team. Lawyers have dozens of cases going at once and if they typically work solo they may not be able to devote the necessary time to your case. At the very least the attorney should have a couple assistants or paralegals who can do the real leg work while the attorney formulates a strategy and analyzes data and evidence.
Clearly, one very important thing to ask when choosing a lawyer is how much they charge. Many personal injury or liability attorneys work on a contingency basis – which means the law firm is not paid until they negotiate some sort of financial settlement for you. Ask about the percentage of contingency, as well as incidental charges. Issues like wills or incorporations are generally done on a set fee, but many cases are taken on an hourly rate that typically run between 100-300 dollars.
