what do you say when a lawyer asks what do you expect

by Keanu McLaughlin 7 min read

The judge, or an attorney if allowed, may ask you to describe the events included in the original application for a protection order. It is important that you describe the events with as much detail as possible. When describing the events in the protection order, you should also tell the judge how the events made you feel or affected you.

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How do I know if the Attorney will take my case?

understand that your lawyer has a duty to keep whatever you say confidential; inform your lawyer of new developments; respect your lawyer's time and schedule; provide requested information promptly; let your lawyer know if you'll be unavailable; help with research and leg work that doesn't require legal training; pay your bills, and; not expect your lawyer to be your friend.

What questions should I ask in an initial meeting with a lawyer?

Jun 17, 2020 · What We Want From You Very quickly, here’s a short list of expectations we have for our clients: Open Communication – Get back to us in a timely manner, and we’ll do the same. Be Honest – Lying to us only hurts your case if the truth comes out in court. Listen – We expect you to listen to our advice.

What happens during an interview with a lawyer?

If you will be dealing frequently with someone else, ask to meet that person. An attorney in a large practice may use associates. Associates are less experienced attorneys that work under the main attorney, who directs and supervises their work. You should ask if the attorney you meet with will be working directly on your case.

What should I expect during an initial consultation with an attorney?

Apr 07, 2022 · One of the reasons for taking your deposition is to lock you into an answer. Instead of saying “Yes”, try saying “As far as I can recall”. Instead of “No”, you could say “I don’t recall that happening”. That way, you’re not really locked in to that answer.

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What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What is expected of a lawyer?

Lawyers typically do the following: Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters. Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case. Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Sep 8, 2021

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

How do you tell your lawyer what you want?

Practice telling your attorney exactly what you want, and don't be afraid to ask questions....Your lawyer should be happy to answer all of your questions.If you don't understand something your lawyer has said, ask for clarification. ... Ask your lawyer to explain the reasoning behind their advice.More items...

How do I know if my lawyer is good?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.Sep 18, 2014

How do you know if you'd be a good lawyer?

You work well with others. That's right—being a lawyer means working with people! ... You can persuade others. The ability to persuade=the practice of law. ... You are independent and self-disciplined. ... You can endure the grind. ... You don't take things at face value. ... You must be able to network.Sep 9, 2019

What to say to avoid answering a question?

10 English Phrases to Avoid Answering a Question#1 – No comment.#2 – I'm not at liberty to say.#3 – Wait and see.#4 – Let me get back to you.#5 – I'm sorry, that's confidential.#6 – (Sorry) That's personal.#7 – I'd rather not talk about it.#8 – Mind your own business.More items...

How do I ask a good legal question?

0:175:25How to ask questions like a lawyer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe 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.

How do you answer a question without answering?

Ten strategies to avoid answering inappropriate questionsAnswer the original question with another question. ... Respond with sarcasm or a joke. ... Redirect the question to a topic that you do feel comfortable discussing. ... Use the shame game. ... Begin your answer by saying the word “No”More items...•Mar 21, 2016

How do you talk like a lawyer?

8:4911:16How to Speak like a Veteran Lawyer in 11 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you speak and it's very hard to explain empathy and non verbals. But you're going to useMoreSo when you speak and it's very hard to explain empathy and non verbals. But you're going to use very soft friendly. Body language tonality and eye contact.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

What Happens When I First Call A Disability Attorney?

When you first contact an attorney for representation, either the attorney or a firm staff member will conduct an initial interview with you to gat...

How Will My Attorney Develop My Medical Evidence?

Your attorney, or a staff member in the law firm, will request the medical records needed to win your claim and submit them to the Social Security...

How Will My Attorney Help Me Get Ready For My Hearing?

It is not unusual for attorneys to wait until a month or two before a disability hearing to first speak to a client. Up to that point, your only co...

Will My Attorney Arrange Witnesses For Me?

The SSA allows you to bring a witness to testify about your disability, but because witnesses can be harmful or helpful, your attorney will decide...

How Will My Attorney Argue My Case?

Your disability lawyer will determine the best way to win your case. First, your lawyer will review your denial letter from Social Security to get...

Expectations Of Your Lawyer

If you’ve put your trust in Avery or another quality lawyer, here’s what you can expect.

What We Want From You

Very quickly, here’s a short list of expectations we have for our clients:

What are the expenses of an attorney?

Expenses are the hard costs that the attorney spends in the case that are usually billed back to the client. Examples of some expenses include court filing fees, fees for records, depositions fees or expert witness fess. Typically, a client is responsible for both fees and expenses.

What is an associate attorney?

Associates are less experienced attorneys that work under the main attorney, who directs and supervises their work.

Can a lawyer predict the outcome of a case?

A good attorney will rarely predict the outcome of your case because many variables may affect the end result. He or she should be able to tell you the outcomes of similar cases, however. A good attorney will usually not promise you a specific outcome, especially in a personal injury or criminal defense situation.

What happens if you file a personal injury lawsuit?

Once you file a lawsuit in a personal injury case, the other side has a right to find out what information you have about the accident and your injuries so they can be prepared for trial, if the case doesn’t settle.

What to say when you don't remember something?

Everybody forgets things. If you don’t remember something, say “I don’t remember”. Don’t try to fill in the answer with what you guess is the right answer because once you give an answer in a deposition, you can’t change it. 7. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand” or “I’m not 100% sure what you’re asking”.

How to prove disability?

Next, your attorney will develop a "theory" of why you are disabled under Social Security disability law. Your attorney will write a legal brief for the judge explaining the theory of the case. There are three main possible "theories" an attorney can use to do this. Your lawyer can: 1 prove that your condition meets a disability "listing" 2 prove that you "grid" out of all work (including not being able to do your past work) 3 prove that your non-exertional limitations prevent you from working, or 4 prove that your exertion level is " less than sedentary ."

Can an attorney represent you?

You must answer all of your attorney's questions as honestly as you can—even if the questions are embarrassing or you feel ashamed of the answers. Otherwise, your attorney cannot represent you effectively. Remember that your attorney is not there to judge you, but to help you win your claim.

What to do if you answer incorrectly?

If your answer was not correctly stated, correct it immediately. If your answer was not clear, clarify it immediately. It is better to correct a mistake yourself than to have the attorney discover an error in your testimony. If you realize you have answered incorrectly, say, “May I correct something I said earlier?” Sometimes witnesses give inconsistent testimony – something they said before doesn’t agree with something they said later. If this happens to you, don’t get flustered. Just explain honestly why you were mistaken. The jury, like the rest of us, understands that people make honest mistakes.

What to say when someone says "that's all I remember"?

Unless certain, don’t say “That’s all of the conversation” or “Nothing else happened”. Instead say, “That’s all I recall,” or “That’s all I remember happening”. It may be that after more thought or another question, you will remember something important.

What is the importance of dress in court?

A neat appearance and proper dress in court are important. An appearance that seems very casual or very dressy will distract the jury during the brief time you’re on the stand, and the jury may not pay attention to your testimony.

What is cross examination in court?

The questions asked are for the purpose of “direct examination”. When you are questioned by the opposing attorney, it is called “cross examination”. This process is sometimes repeated several times in order to clearly address all aspects of the questions and answers. The basic purpose of direct examination is for you to tell the judge and jury what you know about the case. The basic purpose of cross examination is to raise doubts about the accuracy of your testimony. Don’t get mad if you feel you are being doubted during the cross examination. The defense attorney is just doing their job.

What is the most important thing to tell the truth?

Most important of all, you are sworn to TELL THE TRUTH. Tell it. Every true fact should be readily admitted. Do not stop to figure out whether your answer will help or hurt either side. Just answer the questions to the best of your memory.

How to make your testimony sound unconvincing?

Instead, be yourself, and prior to trial go over in your own mind the matter about which you will be questioned.

What is the purpose of cross examination?

The basic purpose of direct examination is for you to tell the judge and jury what you know about the case. The basic purpose of cross examination is to raise doubts about the accuracy of your testimony. Don’t get mad if you feel you are being doubted during the cross examination.

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

What is the first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

Is it expensive to hire a trust lawyer?

Hiring a trust and estates lawyer is almost always expensive. Learn how to save money by hiring the right lawyer, preparing for your first meeting, and making the most of your lawyer's time.

What to do if you don't know the answer to a question?

If you don’t know the answer to the question, or if you don’t understand the question, tell the lawyer you don’t know or politely ask him to rephrase the question in a way that you understand. Cooperate, but don’t get forced into an inaccurate answer. Answer the question without getting into an argument.

How to answer cross examination questions?

Just listen to the question, and answer in as few words as possible. The less information you give the opposing attorney to work with, the less he can do on cross-examination. When you answer questions, be as truthful and as brief as possible. Don’t lose control or get upset. Save your version of what happened for direct examination or re-direct. ...

Why is cross examination so difficult?

Cross-examination is one of the most difficult parts of a trial for a witness or a criminal defendant. In fact, in all but a few rare instances, most criminal defense attorneys advise their clients not to testify at trial, precisely because they would face the possibility of being cross-examined by a prosecutor intent on convicting ...

What is the purpose of cross examination?

The purpose of cross-examination is to test the credibility of statements the witness made during direct examination. It gives a party to a criminal trial, through an attorney, the opportunity to question, challenge, and test witnesses who are called by the opposing party. If you are a defendant in a criminal trial, ...

How to challenge a witness's credibility?

A common way to challenge a witness’s credibility is to ask the witness if they have been convicted of a felony or “crime of moral turpitude.”. In cross-examination, attorneys are allowed to ask leading questions.

What happens if you are a defendant in a criminal trial?

If you are a defendant in a criminal trial, your attorney will have a chance to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses against you. If you are a witness for the defense, or the rare defendant who testifies on his one behalf, you will be subject to cross-examination by the prosecutor. Each party to a criminal trial has ...

What is the importance of keeping your testimony short?

If you will be called to testify in a criminal case, it is important to keep your testimony short and to the point. Emphasize a few key points that you will drive home to the judge and jury.

Why is teamwork important in training?

Teamwork. Training will throw you to a group of other trainees so you will learn to work with other motivated and driven individuals. Also, drive productive work with people you won’t like. You will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of people and how to synergize this imbalance of abilities.

Can kids study from home?

Your kid can study from any location, or the comfort of your home as the resources and recorded classes are available to everyone 24*7. You just need a secure internet connection and a smartphone or a laptop or a tablet, and you are good to go.

Using Your Skills

When you're asked what you expect from your next job, focus on what you have to offer the company. Tell the interviewer that you have a lot to offer the organization -- that your next employer will recognize your aptitude and put your skills to use.

Professional Development

Professional development is a respectable goal for any job seeker. If you applied to the company because you learned about its commitment to developing professionals, explain that when you answer questions about your next job. Tell the interviewer what you've learned about the company's reputation.

Best Employer

If you have the good fortune to be interviewing with an employer listed on a "best of" list, such as CNN Money's 100 Best Companies to Work For, or you know the company has the local reputation of being a good company to work for, compliment HR for being on the list and tie that to what you expect from your next job.

Emphasize Teamwork

Many employers look for candidates who can work independently, though your ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally will serve you well in practically any work environment. When you're asked what you expect from your next job, explain the value of collaboration in the workplace.

Company Size

The size of the employer's business may affect your job choice. If you're interviewing for a job with a large organization, tell the interviewer that you are comfortable with structure and the hierarchical nature of a large employer. Explain that a large company has strength in its resources which could support your career aspirations.

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