what kind of question to ask a lawyer

What Questions to Ask When Choosing Attorneys?

1. What is the lawyer’s experience? The best way to find out how much experience a lawyer has is by talking to people...
2. Did you handle any similar cases? This will be another important question to ask. It’s pretty obvious that a lawyer...
3. What is the cost of your services? If you are having issues concerning the cost,...
4. Are you licensed?

Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

 · Ask about the lawyer's practice and familiarity with cases like yours. One: Have you handled this type of case? This is probably the most important question to ask. You would not want to fly with a pilot making his first transatlantic flight...why trust your case with a novice?

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

One of the first things you'll want to ask a lawyer is about his or her fees. It's important to know what you will be billed for and what payment options the lawyer provides. This is an important question because it will allow you to determine if you can afford the lawyer's services. It's also a good idea to ask the lawyer about his or her ...

What questions do lawyers ask their clients?

2. How long have you practiced law? – This is a critical question to ask a lawyer because it takes years of time and practice for a lawyer to become an expert in their legal field. Therefore, it’s essential that you find an attorney that has at least 10 to 15 years of litigation experience, particularly if you expect to go to trial.

How do I Ask an attorney a question?

What questions should I ask my lawyer? I was involved in a motor vehicle accident over two years ago. A car did not stop at very busy intersection while the lights were out. She claims she saw a green light so she proceeded. About four cars were involved in the collision. My lawyer now wants to settle the case. I am on Social Security disability.

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

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 questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

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

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 you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

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...•

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.

How can you find a good lawyer?

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews. You might also consult your local or state bar association's attorney directory, which is a list of lawyers in your area.

What does a lawyer do?

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.

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...•

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.

How do you send a message to an attorney?

Tips. A letter to an attorney should be written in a formal letter format with the attorney's name, law firm and address at the top near the date, addressed using a salutation and signed off with a closing such as "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely."

How do you ask for a lawyer's service?

General InformationAsk friends and family for recommendations.Call or email the Lawyer Referral Service. Run by the Law Society of Alberta, this service will provide you with the names and contact information for three lawyers that may be able to help with your legal issue. ... Talk to service providers. ... Research online.

How do you ask an attorney to represent you?

How to Ask Another Attorney for HelpStep 1: Know What You Need To Ask. It is best to determine how much help you need before picking up the phone. ... Step 2: Be Respectful of Their Time and Schedule.Step 3: Respect Their Advice.

What questions should I ask a barrister?

Interview Questions for Barristers:What methods do you use to conduct legal research? ... What information is required when presenting legal opinions? ... What techniques do you use to provide advocacy for a client in court? ... Can you tell me about a time when a case did not go the way you expected, and why?More items...

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.

What are the different types of law firms?

Explanation of the different types of law firms -- such as solo firms, small firms, and large firms -- and advice for how to choose the right firm for you

What to ask a lawyer before hiring?

Basics of interviewing a lawyer before deciding which one to hire for your needs, such as the importance of asking about free initial consultations and getting references from past clients.

What to ask a lawyer about his or her career?

It's also a good idea to ask the lawyer about his or her legal career. It's good to know how many years the attorney has practiced law, and what type of cases the attorney generally handles. It would also be helpful to know who the lawyer's typical client is. For example, if a lawyer usually works with businesses and you're an individual, ...

Why is it important to know what you will be billed for and what payment options the lawyer provides?

This is an important question because it will allow you to determine if you can afford the lawyer' s services. It's also a good idea to ask the lawyer about his or her legal career. It's good to know how many years the attorney has practiced law, ...

What is an initial consultation?

An initial consultation can help you decide if you want to proceed with your matter with a lawyer, and if the particular lawyer is the right one for you . One of the first things you'll want to ask a lawyer is about his or her fees. It's important to know what you will be billed for and what payment options the lawyer provides.

What is the oath required for a lawyer?

Once a person successfully passes all of the educational and testing requirements, he or she must take an oath to uphold the laws of the state and the U.S. Constitution. Lawyers must also take part in continuing education in order to keep up to date with current laws and remain in good standing with the state bar.

What is the test for moral character?

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, a person must also pass a moral character and fitness test . This test involves the state bar reviewing your academic conduct at law school, any disciplinary actions against you in college or law school, and any criminal history.

Is it important to have an aggressive attorney for divorce?

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. Similarly, if you're looking for an aggressive attorney to handle an upcoming corporate merger, for example, you'll want someone who isn't afraid to push the envelope, so to speak.

Is it important to know the financial background of a lawyer?

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. This is because there may be different issues a lawyer is used to factoring when working with high net-worth individuals vs. college students.

What is a free consultation?

Lawyers will often provide a free or very low-cost consultation to discuss the details of your situation and give you an opportunity to ask some basic questions about the attorney. This meeting should not only help you decide whether to go forward with a lawyer in general, but also whether you should proceed with this lawyer. If you later decide to hire the lawyer, you will go into a more detailed discussion of your case and ask more specific questions along the way.

Can you arrange things out of court without an attorney?

In the legal industry, there a variety of processes moving forward. Sometimes an arbitrator would be suitable. You can arrange things out of court without the need for an attorney, too. And the reason for asking is that you might have considerably less cost to worry about. 9.

Do all lawyers charge the same percentage of your winnings?

In many areas of law, all lawyers will charge a similar percentage of your winnings for their attorney fees. That said, why not go with someone who has experience with your specific type of case?

What are the two types of clients?

Before you wonder why this one’s asked when it sounds so much like the previous one, know this: there are two different types of clients…. Business and individual. If you’re just an individual looking for representation, you’re going to want a lawyer that works specifically with individuals and not businesses.

What is the point of consultation?

Consultations with a lawyer are an important stage of the process: you’re meeting up with an attorney for the first time on a case that could have a significant impact on you and your loved ones. You’ll want to make sure you’re dealing with a true professional. If not, you move on. That’s the point of the consultation.

How many bills has Jerry Brown signed?

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently completed acting on the 1,217 bills that came across his desk this year. He has signed 1,016 of them into law, with the majority taking effect...

Is it difficult to get a complete picture of someone's personality?

No matter who you’re interviewing, it’s difficult to gain a complete picture of someone’s capabilities and personality over the course of an interview. This difficulty is compounded when you’re someone without a legal background who’s interviewing an attorney.

Can an attorney answer a question in plain English?

Additionally, when a question does come up, the attorney will likely be able to answer it in plain English.

What is an attorney who can answer this question well?

An attorney who can answer this question well is an attorney who is attuned not only to the legal challenges at hand, but also to the way clients think about them. They’ve also likely worked with clients like you. They’ll be able to provide context upfront that answers your questions before you find yourself confused by a complex legal issue or legal language.

Why is it important to ask questions about challenges and conflict resolution?

Questions about challenges and conflict resolution are a favorite among interviewers, no matter the position or industry, and with good reason. The manner in which people approach conflict reveals a lot about how creative and solution-focused they are, which is an important thing to know about any attorney who you’ re considering hiring.

Can you talk to an attorney over the phone?

For example, if you prefer to discuss business matters over the phone during your commute but your attorney relies almost entirely on email and rarely picks up the phone, you might not be able to talk to your attorney as often or as freely as you’d like. This impaired communication can have real consequences if an important detail slips through the cracks, so make sure that you and the attorney agree on how best to communicate.

Can an attorney give an estimate of how long each phase of a project will take?

Although unexpected challenges sometimes arise and cause deadlines to be pushed back, attorneys should be able to give an estimate of how long each phase of the project will take. Make sure that these estimates seem reasonable and fit with the timeline that you have in mind.

What is retainer fee?

Retainer fee – An advanced payment system based upon their hourly rate. You would need to put the retainer into an account and your lawyer would deduct fees as he goes about the process.

What is contingency fee?

Contingent fee – The lawyer agrees to charge zero fees in exchange for a percentage of the settlement or judgment, if the case is won. Although they can be negotiated, a contingency fee basis is generally at least a third of the total settlement.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour?

Hourly rate – This the most common fee associated. Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour.

Is it better to get a tax lawyer or a general practitioner?

If you’re going through a divorce, a tax lawyer won’t be of much help. So, although you can obtain the services of a general practitioner of the law, it’s often better to select the best fit for your case.

What are the common matters in family law?

Common matters in family law include divorce, custody, adoption, child welfare, child abuse, marriages, and civil unions. Real Estate Law – Encompasses issues pertaining to land or construction on property in relation to ownership, development, disputes, or tenant rights. Tax Law – Stay apprised with the most recent updates ...

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment Law – Deals with issues largely related to Intellectual Property law, rights, royalties, and contracts.

What does a defense attorney do?

Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.

Do you get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney?

The above is general information. Laws change frequently, and across jurisdictions. You should get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

What to do after reviewing a settlement?

After you have reviewed your entire file with your attorney, look into her eyes and ask her if the settlement she is suggesting is the best settlement possible with the facts and evidence in her possession. Once she tells you the amount, be satisfied.

Does attorney fees go up during trial?

Remember, expenses come off the top of the gross settlement amount, then the lawyer gets her fee, then you get what remains.

What to ask your attorney about a settlement?

Once your attorney reviews the case with you and suggests what the optimal settlement should be you might ask her if she believes your chances of securing a higher settlement would be greater if instead of settling you proceed to trial.

Do attorneys get paid when you do?

Remember, even though your attorney probably worked as hard as she could and used her legal abilities to the fullest, she still also only gets paid when you do. And even then her fee is on a contingency basis. With that understood there is a built in incentive for her to settle your case for the highest amount possible.

Is our response legal advice?

Disclaimer: Our response is not formal legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is generic legal information based on the very limited information provided. Do not rely upon the information in our response, or anywhere else on this site, when deciding the proper course of a legal matter. Always get a personalized case review from a local attorney.

Do people thrive when working alone?

Everyone has different work styles. Some people thrive when working within a large group, and others prefer to work alone or with less people. Most firms usually staff their teams leanly, but I’ve heard of some firms that staff giant litigation teams for a particular matter.

Should you name drop a lawyer?

Remember: You should only name-drop if you had a positive interaction with the attorney.

What to do when you are sick of talking?

At other times, particularly when it’s late in the day and the interviewer is sick of talking, you might have to lead the conversation with your questions. To that end, it’s important to do two things for every interview (1) prepare a set of questions and (2) listen carefully throughout the conversation for things you want to ask about at the end.

Why are big law firms good?

Big Law firms are great places to start a legal career because associates receive top-notch training and get exposure to high-profile work with big-time clients. It’s inevitable that you’ll pick up useful skills while there.

Is pro bono a risk?

Be careful about this as some firms see an overly enthusiastic interest in pro-bono as a potential flight risk. I never asked about pro bono opportunities directly in a firm unless the interviewer brought it up enthusiastically and unprompted.

What is a good mentorship program?

Most firms have a structured mentorship program where you are given an associate mentor and a partner mentor from day one of work. These two people will be valuable resources in your career. A good workplace mentor can give you consistently good advice on how you can succeed at that law firm and advocate on your behalf.

Why is it good to hear multiple perspectives about a law firm?

It’s always good to hear multiple perspectives about this topic so that you can get a clearer picture of what it’s like to work at that law firm.

Why is it important to have an attorney on staff?

They may also have one on their staff. This is helpful because it means the attorney’s office controls the closing process. There is no need to coordinate with any other office, and this can simplify and speed the closing process. It might also lessen the expenses based on communications.

Can an attorney handle unexpected issues?

Unknown and/or unexpected issues can arise at any time during real estate transactions. You should feel that your attorney can handle whatever comes up. You should ask the attorney what kinds of problems might occur during the transaction. What have they experienced in the past?

Is it ok to fill out all real estate forms?

If the answer is filling out all the real estate forms, this is probably not the right attorney for you. This is not the kind of service you need. Filling out standard forms is not enough because not all real estate transactions are the same. Many are not standard.Ask if the attorney plans to do due diligence for you and will spend ...

Why are references important?

References are important, too. You want to know if the attorney has done a good job for other clients. You want to be given a list of references who are available for you to contact whether you call them all or not. The attorney should be confident and successful enough to provide you with a list of satisfied clients who want to speak well of them.

How much does a title company charge per hour?

Estimates for time-based fees range from $100 to $500 per hour depending on the complexity of your case. Flat fees can range into the thousands of dollars. There are many services that you may need such as reviewing contracts, loan and title commitments, closing, confirming the title company performed its job after the closing, handling all communications, and responding to any of your concerns.

Do lawyers handle real estate?

Some lawyers handle just residential real estate transactions while others deal with commercial deals or work with financial lenders. Try to be as specific as possible in your request for information on the type of real estate and contract experience the attorney has. 4.

Is real estate a unique deal?

Every real estate deal is unique with its own set of circumstances and potential problems. Your case is no different. It is wise to find an attorney who is familiar with those types of problems and who knows how to prevent them from happening.