how to convince a lawyer to take your case

by Max Thompson 7 min read

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to convince a Lawyer to take your case. Present a genuinely good case. Most lawyers will not take a case if there’s a very low probability of winning.

Full Answer

How do I get a lawyer to take my case?

You want a lawyer you feel comfortable with. Someone who responds to you with intelligence and compassion, and who listens to your story. Here are 10 helpful – no, critical – steps you can take to get a lawyer to take your case. 1. Always Use Personal Communication Methods to Contact a Legal Professional

How do attorneys decide to take a case to litigation?

In general, there are three major criteria attorneys use to decide whether to take a case to litigation: damages. Sometimes the employer or the number of clients (if a class action case is a possibility) and the scope of the claims are also factors in determining whether the attorney has the experience and resources to litigate a case.

Can a lawyer tell you if you will win a case?

No attorney will be able to tell you whether you will win a case, even if your evidence is strong. Most of the time, the lawyer will point out the probabilities for success as well as the weaknesses in your case that could make the chance for victory at trial a slim one.

What happens when you first talk to an attorney?

When you first talk with an attorney, do not be frustrated if the attorney is unable to tell you whether you have an airtight case. Also, do not be surprised if the lawyer you talk with agrees that you were treated unfairly, but says that the law provides you with no legal recourse.

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What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

How do you win an argument like a lawyer?

Laws Of Conversation: How To Argue Like A LawyerIdentify The Issue And Don't Deviate From It. Recognise the main point of discussion and stick with it. ... Leave Emotion At The Door! Emotion will never win an argument. ... Be Wary Of Shifting Dialogues.

How do you get a lawyer to respond to you?

If your lawyer still does not respond, you can send him or her a letter explaining the communication problems. If at this point you do not hear anything from your lawyer, you should consult with a legal malpractice attorney.

What is the best way to win a case?

How to Win Your Court Case by Following 5 Simple PrinciplesUse a Lawyer or Settle If You Can't Afford One, as Even Brilliant DIY Will Almost Never Beat a Lawyer. ... Focus on the Relevant Probative Evidence, Not Collateral Facts. ... Evidence is More Important Than Law. ... Understand the Real Legal Issue in Your Case.More items...•

What makes a convincing argument?

It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

How do you outsmart someone in an argument?

Don't assume you know what the other person's arguments are. Prepare as much as you can based on what you think your opponent might argue, but leave room for surprises. Make sure that you're listening closely to what the other person is saying. If you miss something or are distracted ask them to repeat what they said.

Why do lawyers ignore you?

If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.

Why do lawyers not respond?

One of the most common reasons that lawyers fail to communicate with their clients is because they are simply too busy. If you feel like you are getting the runaround, it may be time to take a more direct approach and call your lawyer directly.

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

How do you get a judge to rule in your favor?

How to Persuade a JudgeYour arguments must make logical sense. ... Know your audience.Know your case.Know your adversary's case.Never overstate your case. ... If possible lead with the strongest argument.Select the most easily defensible position that favors your case.Don't' try to defend the indefensible.More items...•

How do you impress a judge?

Be Respectful of The Judge At All Times When Speaking – And When Listening. “Your Honor.” If you want to impress the judge, make those two words part of your courtroom vocabulary. Your thoughtfulness is a sign of respect for the position the judge holds.

Can we fight our own case?

Yes. You have the right to fight your own cases without engaging any advocate. It is not necessary that you must engage an advocate to fight your case in a court. A party in person is allowed to fight his own case in the court.

Why are some lawyers not offering their services?

Depending on your case, some lawyers may not offer you their service because of how hard it is to gather evidence. Maintaining a good reputation and undefeated track record is more important than cheap legal fees for many attorneys.

Why is not presenting the truth difficult?

Not presenting the truth makes the case difficult for an attorney, especially if the burden of proof is on your side. Even if you feel there’s some negligence on your part, you’d be surprised that you’d have a favorable outcome after telling the truth.

Is a lawyer a top of the shelf product?

Lawyers aren’t top-of-the-shelf products that you can purchase at any time. They’re spokespeople that ensure the most favorable presentation outcome of your case. Therefore, you’re entering into an attorney-client relationship whenever you hire a lawyer. Building a trustworthy relationship with a lawyer sometimes takes more than just having cash ...

Can you lie about your symptoms to your doctor?

Just as it’s not advisable to lie about your symptoms to your doctor, you can’t afford to lie about your situation if you want the best legal advice. No matter how strange your case might be, stick to the truth. Not presenting the truth makes the case difficult for an attorney, especially if the burden of proof is on your side.

How to contact a lawyer?

1. Always Use Personal Communication Methods to Contact a Legal Professional. It is important when you contact a law office about your legal concerns that you do so on a private e-mail account, cell phone, home phone and/or computer. Please do not use any company-provided e-mail, phones or computers.

Why do you ask questions to an attorney?

The questions you will be asked are designed to get the relevant information quickly and to determine if your situation is something the attorney is capable of, and interested in, taking on as a case. When giving specifics of the events, your timeline will help to let the attorney know you are prepared to participate fully in the litigation process. It serves to impress the attorney with your commitment, as well as enhance your chances of success, because you will demonstrate your understanding of your role in the process.

What does an attorney do?

Attorneys act as your spokespersons before the court, to put your best story forward. Both sides must communicate clearly to one another to achieve a favorable result. You want a lawyer you feel comfortable with. Someone who responds to you with intelligence and compassion, and who listens to your story. Here are 10 helpful – no, critical – steps ...

What happens if a cursory evaluation shows no laws have been broken?

That’s just as important for the client as it is for an attorney. If a cursory evaluation shows no laws have been broken, you will have no recourse in a court of law, and don’t need legal representation.

How to get a follow up appointment with an attorney?

In this screening you will usually speak to a trained paralegal who will collect from you the basic facts of your claim. If you are well prepared, and are able to articulate your claim properly, and they find you have legal grounds to pursue it , you will likely garner a follow-up appointment with the attorney. Some potential clients feel that if the attorney isn’t willing to speak to them right away, that they are being “brushed off.” If anything, it is the opposite.

How to prove a termination of a job?

Prepare a summary of your economic (financial) damages. Bring pay stubs, salary information, anything that shows how this situation is impacting you financially. If you have seen a mental health counselor regarding these incidents, be sure to tell the lawyer. If you have been unable to find a new job, keep track of those efforts, so you can prove your termination caused you loss of “future income.” The attorney needs to know how you were damaged and what you expect to recover. Many clients have unrealistic expectations about their case based on things they’ve seen on television or read online. Every case is different. Proof of events, credibility of witnesses and many other circumstances and variables make each case unique. A good attorney will want to focus on you and the facts of your case, to attempt to build a winning legal strategy.

What to do after discrimination?

Immediately after the discrimination, harassment, or other qualifying incident occurs, you should be reaching out to potential attorneys. All laws have varying timelines requiring action to protect a claim. So waiting around can cause you to have a rough time finding representation, if you’ve let so much time go that your deadline is about to run or, worse, has already done so. If you blow a statute of limitations or other deadline, you will have no case. Period. Attorneys need adequate time to investigate your claim before this happens.

What to do if you think you have a case?

If you really think you have a case, then pay them and they will work for you. Good one’s will tell you are wasting your money, but if you insist, most of them will take it.

Why do attorneys take a pass on cases?

If an attorney takes a pass on a case, it is likely for a good reason: either he/she is not equipped to handle the matter, or he/she cannot handle the matter within the client's parameters (cost, timing). Why would you wa

What to do when someone doesn't represent you?

You explain to them what has happened, disclose to them (honestly) all of the facts of the situation as you know it, and truthfully answer every one of the questions that they ask you. If, at the end, they choose not to represent you or believe that you have no case to pursue, they are providing you their honest opinion and there's nothing you can do to change it.

Do you have to pay a private attorney?

In the case of a private attorney you have to pay them or secure their cooperation in working pro bono (for free) and show them facts that indicate that there is a case to be made for you st jaw or something they can do for you in the legal system. Public lawyers, such as prosecutors and defenders, take the cases they are given. Though prosecutors gave choose to have charges dismissed if they think these are frivolous or they have another reason to abandon them, such as a plea bargain.

Is it a matter of convincing an attorney?

It's really not a matter of convincing. The attorney will understand that you feel wronged. The rest of it is out of your control, including the following non exclusive list of issues which the attorney must assess:

Can a client sell a case to an attorney?

A client should never be "selling" their case to an attorney. The job of the client is to present the known facts in a truthful manner, and to answer any questions the attorney may have. A good attorney will then give his/her preliminary assessment of the case, go over fee arrangements, and discuss with the client whether the case makes sense for the attorney/client team.

First: MONEY

Probably the first thing on a lawyer’s mind when she meets with you is – how will she make money on your case? There are basically three ways lawyers get paid: flat fee, hourly, or contingency. If the client is paying it’s fairly straightforward.

Second: HEADACHES

Second on a lawyer’s mind when meeting with you are “Headaches.” I’ve been doing this long enough that I can smell a headache client from a mile away. You do not want to be seen as a headache client.

Third: TIME

Show that you are respectful of the lawyer’s time. Lawyers are always stressed for time. Do not send me a five page timeline of your work history before you got fired and do not launch into a thirty minute play by play of how your boss harassed you during our first phone call.

Fourth: HEART

Despite what you hear, lawyers have hearts. Some are small and dark shriveled masses – but they still have them. Most lawyers want to feel good about what they are doing.

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What factors determine whether an attorney has the experience and resources to litigate a case?

Sometimes the employer or the number of clients (if a class action case is a possibility) and the scope of the claims are also factors in determining whether the attorney has the experience and resources to litigate a case.

What does an attorney want to know about an employer?

The attorney will want to know what acts you believe harmed you and what reasons were given by the employer to justify the employer's decisions. The attorney will ask questions to determine whether you can prove that the reasons given are not true.

What does an attorney evaluate?

While you talk, in addition to getting information, the attorney will evaluate you as a witness and client, in areas such as memory, honesty, appearance, attitude, cooperation, communication skills and many other characteristics. Do not lie or mislead your attorney.

How to defend against unfair dismissal?

Go to the initial meeting prepared to show your lawyer not only the injustice of your dismissal but how you think the law was violated. Take supporting documents such as evaluations, witness statements, evidence concerning treatment of others, and medical records. Explain what you think your employer is likely to say in its defense. Prepare a summary of your economic (financial) damages.

What questions do you ask an attorney?

The attorney will ask you questions designed to get the relevant information quickly and to determine if your situation is something the attorney is capable of and interested in handling. The attorney must also first check for conflicts of interest (where the attorney formerly or currently represents interests or individuals potentially involved in your case and therefore might appear biased or unable to fully represent your interests). In addition to the employer's name, you will also be asked for the names of people involved in your case.

Why are clients unrealistic?

Many clients have unrealistic expectations about their case because of things they read in the papers or were told by others. Each case is different. Proof of events, credibility of witnesses and many other circumstances and variables make each case unique. You and your attorney must focus on your specific case.

Can an attorney take a contingent fee case?

However, this is not guaranteed, and not the case for some other types of employment cases. It is not unusual for a case to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees and tens of thousands of dollars in costs. Therefore, most attorneys cannot take a contingent fee case unless the merits and client are very strong and the damages are significant.

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