how to form questions like a lawyer

by Ms. Marguerite Feeney 9 min read

Ask your question—it’s free and anonymous. Get notified when a lawyer responds—usually within 12 hours. Ask follow-up questions—make sure you understand your options. Provide key details, but don’t feel like you have to tell the whole story. Ask a concise question—be brief and to the point.

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The first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing isMoreThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing is making statements. That sound like questions and those are statements that the witness.

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What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Apr 09, 2015 · Please answer a few questions to help us match you with attorneys in your area. Select Your Legal Issue. Select Your Legal Issue. Airplane Business Transactions. Auto Accident. Aviation Accidents. Bankruptcy. Child Custody. Child Support.

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

What to look for in an answer: Passion for different areas of the law. Ability to engage in all job-related activities. Evidence of diligence and motivation. Example: “I enjoy the daily aspects of both the legal research of being a lawyer as well as being able …

What questions do lawyers ask their clients?

A valid phone number is required. Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. ( Required field) Morning (8:00AM to 12:00PM) Afternoon (12:00PM to 5:00PM) Evening (5:00PM to 9:00PM) Other. AM PM.

How do I Ask an attorney a question?

May 02, 2022 · The Legal Plan. An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will ...

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How do lawyers ask questions?

Questions you might ask your lawyer
  1. Do I have a problem that can be resolved by law?
  2. What legal risks am I facing?
  3. What documents do I need to support my case?
  4. Do I need statements from witnesses?
  5. What are my options for resolving the dispute out of court?
  6. How can I settle the case?

How do you answer a question like a lawyer?

Do Not Exaggerate. Specifically, do not make over-broad statements that you may have to correct. Be particularly careful in responding to a question that begins “Wouldn't you agree that . . .?” The explanation should be in your own words; do not let an attorney put words in your mouth. Explain your answer if necessary.Mar 3, 2014

What are the 5 questioning techniques?

We'll also cover when to use each one, and how they work.
  • #1 Open-ended versus closed-ended questioning.
  • #2 Funnel questioning.
  • #3 Asking probing questions.
  • #4 Asking leading questions.
  • #5 Asking rhetorical questions.
Aug 12, 2016

What are some questions for lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
•
Jan 29, 2017

How do you answer difficult deposition questions?

How to Handle a Deposition: Advice from an OMIC Defense Attorney
  1. Tell the truth. ...
  2. Think before you speak. ...
  3. Answer the question. ...
  4. Do not volunteer information. ...
  5. Do not answer a question you do not understand. ...
  6. Talk in full, complete sentences. ...
  7. You only know what you have seen or heard. ...
  8. Do not guess.

How do you respond to being cross examined?

Tips for a Successful Cross-Examination
  1. Listen carefully to the prosecutor's question and let him ask his entire question before you answer.
  2. When you do answer, answer the question that is being asked, but nothing more. ...
  3. Stay calm and don't argue. ...
  4. Tell the truth. ...
  5. Think before you answer the question. ...
  6. Don't guess.
•
Oct 26, 2020

What are the 7 types of questions?

Let's start with everyday types of questions people ask, and the answers they're likely to elicit.
  • Closed questions (aka the 'Polar' question) ...
  • Open questions. ...
  • Probing questions. ...
  • Leading questions. ...
  • Loaded questions. ...
  • Funnel questions. ...
  • Recall and process questions. ...
  • Rhetorical questions.
Oct 23, 2018

What are the 4 types of questions?

The 4 Main Types of Questions in English + Examples
  • General or Yes/No Questions.
  • Special or Wh-Questions.
  • Choice Questions.
  • Disjunctive or Tag Questions.
Apr 4, 2022

How do you ask questions examples?

Keep reading for examples of questions and answers using the WH question words, the verb to be, and more.
...
Here are a few examples of questions and answers.
  1. Whom do you believe? I believe in Tom.
  2. Whom are you going to invite? ...
  3. From whom did you get this information?
Jan 18, 2022

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

6 Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Lawyer
  • What's Your Experience? ...
  • What Percentage Of Your Practice Is Dedicated To This Area Of Law? ...
  • What Will This Cost? ...
  • Can You Charge Me A Flat-Rate Fee? ...
  • Where's My Contract? ...
  • Can I Avoid Going To Court?
Sep 5, 2019

How do I prepare for a legal interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.
  1. Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ...
  2. Be presentable and dress your best. ...
  3. Come prepared to ask questions. ...
  4. Be personable and show enthusiasm. ...
  5. Be genuine. ...
  6. Promptly send a thank-you note.
Oct 28, 2020

What are the most common interview questions?

50+ most common job interview questions
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Walk me through your resume.
  • How did you hear about this position?
  • Why do you want to work at this company?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What can you bring to the company?
  • What are your greatest strengths?

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys in every state have an ethical obligation to advise you of any conflict of interest. Still, you should ask the question. If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly ...

Can a conflict arise when interviewing a lawyer?

A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by a co-defendant in your case. Not all conflicts automatically disqualify potential counsel, but you must be fully aware of and understand the nature of the conflict before deciding whether to hire a lawyer in spite of it.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis?

The purpose of this question is not necessarily to test the substance of the answer but more the fact that the candidate has an answer. This is indicative of the fact that they are informed and see the larger picture. So much of what a lawyer does relies on having strong background knowledge of the law.

Can you give an example of where you have chosen to involve yourself in the broader legal community?

Lawyers that network and do the “extra-curricular” activities are generally better informed about recent developments than other attorneys. In addition, networking helps a lawyer build a reputation in the legal sector. Attorneys who have better connections with other attorneys benefit from getting referrals of business from those other attorneys.

How do you handle a disagreement with a superior over a legal matter?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing.

Can you elaborate on a situation where you were unsuccessful and how you handled it?

You should get a sense of how the lawyer handles adversity because there is quite a bit of it in the legal profession. A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point.

What time do you call a lawyer?

Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. ( Required field) Morning (8:00AM to 12:00PM) Afternoon (12:00PM to 5:00PM) Evening (5:00PM to 9:00PM) Other. AM PM.

What is required to receive a follow up call from a lawyer?

Fullname is required. A valid email address is required. Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered. Text Call. A valid phone number is required. Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. ( Required field)

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

Can you ask where an attorney went to law school?

It is generally not very helpful to ask where the attorney went to law school since you can find this information online and it often tells you nothing useful anyhow. Focus instead on experience with your type of case. You can also ask the average verdict the lawyer has obtained in your type of case.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

How to decide to go to law school?

First, reflect on your past personal, educational, and work-related experiences. Second, discuss how each experience logically led to the next. This should eventually lead to why you decided to go to law school and why you want to practice law. Third, reflect on your current set of skills and past work experiences.

Can you practice in front of a mirror?

When your interviewer asks you a question, it’s perfectly okay to take a few seconds to digest the question and formulate a response.

Do interviewers interject during responses?

Keep in mind that your interviews will be very conversational and your interviewers may interject during your responses with questions. Don’t plan on actually giving your whole spiel. Go along with the conversational flow. Below, are commonly asked questions.

Is an interview conversational?

Don’t Forget: Interviews are Conversational. Keep in mind that your interviews will be very conversational and your interviewers may interject during your responses with questions. Don’t plan on actually giving your whole spiel. Go along with the conversational flow. Below, are commonly asked questions.

What is legal reasoning?

Forms of legal reasoning are the methods that lawyers use to apply laws to facts in order to answer legal questions. The meaning of a legal rule and how it should be applied are often subject to multiple interpretations. When the meaning of a legal rule is ambiguous, lawyers use legal reasoning to argue for the interpretation that they find most convincing or that is most favorable to their client. The forms of legal reasoning are the tools of the lawyer’s trade. In this section, we learn about these tools and practice using them creatively.

Can a person resist a member of the public authorities in the execution of his duties?

The right of legal defense does not permit any person to resist a member of the public authorities in the execution of his duties even though he has overstepped the bounds of that duty while acting in good faith, unless it is reasonably feared that death or serious injury will result.

General questions

These questions help a hiring partner get to know you a little more by understanding your passions, interests and how you may fit into the firm's culture:

Questions about experience and background

These questions help an interviewer understand how your education and previous experience translate to the role:

In-depth questions

An interviewer may ask these questions to get to know how you build a relationship with clients and navigate court issues. These questions also give you a chance to explain your processes and display the parts of your personality that make you the right candidate for the role.

Sample interview questions and answers

Review these sample interview questions and answers to form your own responses:

Law firm interview tips

Here are some interview tips to consider so you can present yourself well to the hiring partner:

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting. New entrepreneurs have their hands full, making plans, developing products and services, and lining up financing.

What does a business lawyer do?

A business lawyer can explain how to start a business and answer your business law questions. But more importantly, a lawyer can identify the risks you face and help you minimize them. When you meet with your lawyer for the first time, it’s a good idea to have some questions in mind.

What to do before starting a small business?

Before starting a small business, you must decide how your business will be structured. If you do not form a formal business entity, your business will either be a sole proprietorship (with one owner) or a general partnership (with more than one owner). Legally, you and your business will be the same “person,” so if your business has debts ...

What happens if you don't form a business entity?

If you do not form a formal business entity, your business will either be a sole proprietorship (with one owner) or a general partnership (with more than one owner). Legally, you and your business will be the same “person,” so if your business has debts or is sued, you are personally liable for those obligations.

Can you use a name that another business is already using?

Every state has rules about the names that new business entities can use, and in general, you can’t choose a name that another business is already using. Also, it’s risky to choose a name that might infringe on another business’s registered trademark.

Do lawyers work a lot?

" Lawyers work a lot of hours, and clients can have issues requiring your attention at any time, regardless of whether it's a weekend, holiday, or during your vacation. And, thanks to technology, you can and will be expected to respond and perform the work from wherever you are as soon as humanly possible," Devereux says. This is just kind of the reality for some types of law. Also, certain seasons are specifically busy (for example, if you're a tax attorney).

What does it mean to be a lawyer?

Being a lawyer means being a writer. Just when you thought those law school papers were done, that's not quite the case. "I'm a litigator, which can be a bit like writing a term paper every night for the rest of your life," Devereux says.

Can a lawyer see the courtroom?

Some lawyers may never see the inside of a courtroom, first of all, and discerning what kind of law suits you is a more complex process. Whether you're applying to law school, trying to pass the bar exam, or just got a job with a firm, you need to know what's coming.

Does law school teach you how to practice law?

" Law school doesn't really teach you how to practice law," Devereux says. It turns out, you have a lot left to learn. "In the beginning, it may seem like nearly every time you are assigned a task, it's something that you've never done before," she adds. But don't worry, eventually, with more practice (pun intended) you'll get the hang of the skill set and type of law you're practicing. "The anxiety should subside after a couple of years when you've developed a decent base of skills," Devereux says.

What are the common problems lawyers face?

Burnout, stress, and depression are incredibly common among lawyers. Make sure you take advantage of mental health days, vacation days, and sick days, and if you're truly struggling (or your colleagues are), consult a mental health practitioner. 15. You probably won't be rich.

Can I pass the bar exam on the first try?

You may not pass the bar on the first try. The bar exam wasn't exactly designed with everyone in mind. " Here’s the thing. The bar exam—like most academic exams in our country—was first developed by white, affluent, powerful men (a.k.a. the patriarchy) who very much wanted to retain their power," Rodgers says.

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What Lawyer-Client Interview Questions Should You Ask Potential Clients?

  • While the exact questions you’ll ask should be customized to each potential client’s specific situation, these lawyer-client interview questions are a good starting point:
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What Answers to Client Questions Should Lawyers Prepare for?

  • The meeting isn’t just about you interviewing a potential client—the client will have questions for you, too. Being prepared for the common questions that clients have is key. Here are four common questions you should prepare to answer:
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Conducting The Lawyer-Client Interview

  • If you want to nail your initial consultation, it’s about more than just what attorney-client interview questions you ask. Follow these tips for interviewing in a client-centric way:
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Conclusion

  • Conducting a great client interview is critical to an effective client intake process. It’s also an important part of providing a client-centered experience. If you want to perfect your process, the key is to prepare with the right lawyer-client interview questions—and truly listen to their answers. By asking questions at the start, you’ll get a better idea of what your client expects from you (wh…
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