questions when hiring a lawyer

^{Ten Questions to Ask Your Potential Lawyer}

1. How long have you practiced law? At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. ...
2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)? ...
3. Who is your typical client? This is an important, but often-overlooked question. ...
4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine? Now is not the time to act shy. ...
5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation? ...
What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? ...
What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case? This can be important in two ways. ...
Are there others ways for solving my legal problem? Go ahead. ...
How will you let me know what's happening with my case? Communication is key when working with a lawyer. ...
What is the likely outcome in my case?

What questions should you ask when hiring a lawyer?

Hiring a Lawyer 7. Don't hire a lawyer who actively solicits your business. 8. Make sure you understand what you're paying for. 9. Learn how you can fire a lawyer. 10. Check out your lawyer's record. 11. Know your options and make sure your lawyer gives you them. Working with a Lawyer 12. Ask yourself these 11 questions — and be able to ...

What questions should I Ask an attorney?

Wills & Probate: Preparing to Meet with a Lawyer

• Finding the Right Lawyer. First thing, first: Make sure you hire a lawyer that is a good fit for you and your situation. ...
• Before You Meet With the Lawyer, Do Some Homework. To save money and to make the most out of your time with your attorney, learn about your legal issue before ...
• The Consultation. ...
• At Your First Meeting. ...

What questions would a lawyer ask?

Ask a Lawyer; Free Q&A with attorneys. Every 5 seconds someone gets free legal advice from Avvo. How it works . 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.

What to look for in hiring an attorney?

• You’re interested in setting up an irrevocable trust. ...
• You need to appoint a guardian for an immediate family member. ...
• You want to pass on assets to a stepchild or half-sibling. ...
• You want to exclude an immediate family member from your will. ...
• You need a succession plan for a small business. ...
• You own assets or property in a different state or country. ...

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

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What are some questions you should ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) 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?More items...•

What should you consider when hiring a lawyer?

5 Top Things to Consider When Hiring a LawyerSpecialization. The first thing you should consider when hiring an attorney is his or her area of specialization. ... Experience. Check the track record of the attorney before you hire. ... Location. ... Specifics about Billing and Representations. ... Ability To Convince You.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What do you say when talking to a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.

How do people choose a lawyer?

The first step in the process of choosing the right lawyer, then, is the research phase. Ideally, you want to start with the names of several lawyers, and, as with the purchase of most other services, personal referrals are often the best place to start.

How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer?

The minimum for an hourly consultation is around PHP 1,000.00 outside of Metro Manila and PHP 2,500.00 in Metro Manila. The rate only goes higher depending on the lawyer. There is no standard rate for an hourly consultation so it is best to ask for the consultation fee before booking a consultation.

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

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

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following: “How do you like being a judge?” “How did you decide to become a judge?” “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so. You can be positive about important things which you would naturally remember.

Why do attorneys specialize in one area of law?

In a legal community as large as Phoenix, most attorneys specialize their practice to only one area of law in order to hone their skills. When an attorney practices in multiple disciplines it leaves open the potential of doing many things ok but none well. When you’re charged with a crime you cannot risk having an attorney that isn’t 100% prepared for every nuance of the criminal justice system. Make sure that your attorney practices only criminal law and doesn’t also work in family law, personal injuries or other ares in addition to criminal law.

What does it mean when your lawyer's fees are low?

It is often said that when legal fees are exceptionally low it means: The lawyer is not intending to spend the necessary time on your case. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure you understand the costs associated with the lawyer and what you expect to receive for the feee you are paying. 10.

Why is repeated exposure to the courts important?

While many attorneys may focus their individual practices towards criminal law, repeated exposure to specific court s will add tremendous value as the attorney will be able to utilize their exposure to a judge’s proclivities in order to predict future outcomes.

What is a flat fee for a criminal case?

Flat fee means that the client pays a one-time fee for the entirety of the case with no need to refill the retainer account at any point in representation. While the flat fee allows the client the ability to forecast litigation expenses, when payments are missed the attorney will generally withdraw. The last thing a client wants to do is get into a payment plan with an attorney if they cannot afford the payments as outlined by the contract. When this happens, the attorney will withdraw from the case as the case approaches trial and the client needs the attorney most.

Do litigation skills fade?

While these attorneys are often experienced and knowledgeable, their litigation skills often fade as they spend time selling legal services rather than dedicating time in the courtroom. If you’re hiring a lawyer, ask the attorney handling the intake if they be the lawyer handling your case or if you case will be delegated to a less experienced ...

Do law firms hire full time attorneys?

Just as some law firms employ non-lawyer sales associates to consult with potential clients, many other law firms employ full-time attorneys to act as the sales arm of the intake process.

Do law firms employ sales agents?

Some law firms employ sales agent who are non-attorneys to conduct the initial consultation. While these individuals may have compelling sales strategies for earning your business, because they do not actually practice law much of their advice is meant to drive sales rather than inform perspective clients.

Creating great questions for hiring lawyers

When creating questions for lawyer candidates, you should focus on the following criteria:

Example questions to interview a lawyer

Here are a few questions you should ask a lawyer candidate and why they are important:

Hiring a lawyer FAQ

Here is an answer to one of the most common questions about hiring a lawyer:

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.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

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 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.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

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 represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

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.

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

What are Your Areas of Expertise and How Long Have You Been Practicing Law?

The first thing you should ask an attorney is how many years they have been practicing law and their practice areas. You should hire an attorney who has expertise in the area that you require representation or advice.

Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?

The first thing most attorneys do when you contact them is an evaluation of your case. Most law firms such as Cline Jensen P.A. offer a free case evaluation for their clients. Cline Jensen P.A. offers a wide range of legal services in Minnesota and North Dakota areas.

What Options Do I Have When It Comes to Settling My Case?

Not every case goes to trial; some are settled out of court. Ask the attorney the options you have for settling your case and the best path to follow. There are cases that should go to court, whereas for others it’s better to settle them through settlement alternatives such as negotiation, arbitration or mediation.

How Much Will Your Services Cost?

A good lawyer costs money, but the amount they charge you should not be unreasonably high. Some lawyers will charge you at an hourly rate whereas for some cases it may be flat fees or contingency fees. Though the lawyer may not give you the exact amount, they should be able to give you an estimate of the legal fees after evaluating your case.

Are You the One Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Your case may be reviewed by one person and then handed over to another. Attorneys do shift cases, even to people from other law firms. Therefore, don’t forget to ask this question before making your final decision.

How Can I Reach You?

To avoid the mistake of hiring an attorney who is unreachable when you need them the most, ask about the mode of communication with clients and try it out.