Ask for a free consultation. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation, so you can have your questions answered. During the consultation, you can also see if you are comfortable with that lawyer. Always go to more than one free consultation so you have a good mix of lawyers to choose from.
Do not hire a lawyer who establishes the first contact. Most of the time, these lawyers are scams; therefore, you need to avoid them, especially if your case involves a hefty sum of money. Do your due diligence and hire the best lawyer on your terms.
If your lawyer does or says anything you don't understand, speak up. They should be more than happy to explain anything to you, from what a fee is for to a document they're having you sign. If your lawyer doesn't want to talk about anything related to your case, drop them immediately.
You may find that your friends, family, and coworkers can provide a wealth of information when it comes to finding a lawyer who can best fit your needs. Ask around and see what experiences people have had with particular lawyers, or if they have any advice for you based on their circumstances.
Discuss clearly with the lawyer what his or her role will be in your case. You want to make sure that they will file all the paperwork that is necessary and explain things to you every step of the way. Keep a journal and note all your interactions with the lawyer in it. This might come in handy if you and the lawyer later disagree on what was said or done in your case.
Understand what you can afford. You might have a situation and case where you feel you are right, but at what cost? Research the costs of similar cases charged by attorneys you are considering. Sit down and talk to them about your budget and what you hope to achieve. They'll http://www.daveabels.com/car-accidents.html explain additional costs which might put you over budget.
When you are going to a consultation with your lawyer, do not be scared to do your own interview. Ask him or her about their familiarity with the situation you are in, how much success they have, or anything else you feel you should know. If they refuse to answer your questions, they may be trying to hide something, meaning you may want to look elsewhere.
Determine whether or not the attorney's staff is friendly. How quickly is your call returned? If that office takes a while to return any messages you leave, this may be a hint as to how you will be treated as a client.
Do not lie to your lawyer. Keep in mind that you are establishing a professional relationship with your lawyer and that they are not here to judge you. Keeping information from your lawyer could actually cost you to lose your case. Go over the details several times with your lawyer to make sure you do not forget anything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZVj7VoC1PQ
Be prepared when going to Small Claims Court. Bring your witnesses, documentation, bills, receipts, statements, and notarized paperwork. However, do not bring anything in excess of what is pertinent to your case. It may annoy the judge and do more harm than good. You do not need to bring a lawyer for small claims, but it may be advisable.
Trust your first impressions of your lawyer. If a lawyer does not seem trustworthy or works too hard to convince you to file a lawsuit, you should not hire them. You should find a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable, takes the time to explain things and clearly has your best interest in mind.
Before you ever sign up with a lawyer, establish the method by which you will communicate along with a timeline. You should not have to wait lengthy periods of time for feedback from your lawyer. Additionally, if you are more comfortable e-mailing than talking on the phone, this should be the method of communication used. Remember that you are the one paying the bill!
Make a list of questions to ask your short list of lawyer options. You may interview them by phone, or you might visit their office. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, inquire in advance about whether they will charge for the consultation.
Get all the i's dotted and the t's crossed in your contract with a lawyer. Know the fees upfront and the work they will do. Having arrangements in writing ensures that you have the final word on things. If things aren't in writing, and there is a problem, you will be fighting a lawyer. They know what they are doing.
Now that you know a few things about finding an attorney, you can begin the hunt. Use these tips wisely, and you'll have no trouble finding an attorney who will serve you well. Share what you've learned with others so that they too can easily find legal representation when needed.
