what questions should a person ask 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...
2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in...
3. Who is your typical client? This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For...

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What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Apr 09, 2015 · Here are some basic questions you should ask potential counsel before choosing legal representation. Experience Ask about the lawyer's practice and familiarity with cases like yours. One: Have you handled this type of case? This …

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Apr 13, 2018 · 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... 2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in... 3. Who is your ...

What questions do lawyers ask their clients?

Nov 18, 2021 · In addition, you should conduct some research on the legal job market and reflect on whether a legal career is a good fit and whether …

How do I Ask an attorney a question?

Nov 28, 2019 · Below are five questions that you should expect from your lawyer during your first meeting. 1. What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. This includes the circumstances that forced you to file the suit. When answering this question, be as honest as possible.

What are some good questions to 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...•Jan 29, 2017

What are five things you should ask your lawyer?

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...•Apr 13, 2018

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...•Jul 10, 2016

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...•Feb 6, 2020

How do you answer legal interview questions?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

How do I ask my lawyer about my case?

10 things to ask your lawyer in a case reviewHave you handled this type of case before? ... What is the best method for contacting you? ... Who will be handling my case? ... To whom may I speak with about my case? ... What are your fees? ... Are there other fees for which I will be held responsible?More items...•Apr 18, 2014

What are the best interview questions to ask?

The Top 15 Interview Questions to Ask Job CandidatesWhat do you know about our company, and why do you want to work here?What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?Can you tell me about your current job?What could your current company do to be more successful?More items...•Feb 10, 2022

How do you answer tell me about yourself?

A Simple Formula for Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment.Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that's relevant to the job and company you're applying for.More items...

What are the behavioral interview questions?

What's a Behavioral Interview Question?Give us an example of a goal you failed to meet, and how you handled the situation.Tell us about a time when you solved a problem at your job that wasn't part of your job description.Tell us of a time when you took a risky decision and it didn't pay off.Sep 2, 2021

How do I prepare for an attorney meeting?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

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

How do you introduce yourself to a lawyer?

0:041:40Introducing yourself as a lawyer- - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow to introduce yourself as a lawyer listen to the podcast. Which represents a young lawyer talkingMoreHow to introduce yourself as a lawyer listen to the podcast. Which represents a young lawyer talking about himself. And his work at a law firm. The first time listen to the podcast.

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.

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.

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 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.

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...

Do you want to hire an attorney who will challenge you?

While you don’t want to hire an attorney who will challenge your every move, you also definitely don’t want one who is so afraid of getting fired that they’re reluctant to question you when they have a legitimate concern.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys are responsible for divulging any potential conflicts of interest, even if they are never directly asked a question about them. However, it’s usually not a bad idea to inquire about them yourself.

Do businesspeople have to resign themselves to pick the first attorney on their resume?

The good news is that businesspeople definitely don’t have to resign themselves to picking the first attorney whose resume crosses their desk.

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.

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.

What are the duties of a criminal defense attorney?

Criminal Law – Handles issues pertaining to individual liberty and behaviors that may be considered illegal under U.S. criminal codes.#N#Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.#N#Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. 1 Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right. 2 Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party.

What is the job of a prosecuting attorney?

Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. Entertainment Law – Deals with issues largely related to Intellectual Property law, rights, royalties, and contracts. Environmental Law – Enforces regulations, statutes, treaties, or conventions according to state or federal laws.

How much does an estate lawyer charge per hour?

Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour. Flat fee – These are an option for cases that are more predictable, such as the drawing up of an estate plan. If this is what they offer, make sure to ask whether or not there are services and expenses that aren’t covered.

What is statutory fee?

Statutory fee – Some forms of legal work have legally set fees involved. Once you’ve gone over payment, request an estimate of total cost. Although, in many cases, it’s impossible to give you an on-the-number appraisal, having a ballpark figure can help you determine if you can afford it and then budget accordingly. 6.

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 ...

Is a lawyer a generalist or a specialist?

1. Are you a generalist or a specialist? – Since the legal field covers a broad swath of industries and subject matters, it’s exceedingly rare to find a lawyer who’s well versed in several sects of law. Typically, as is the case for most professionals, they tend to specialize and focus on a specific legal field.

Should screening for the right one be rigorous?

Remember that they’ve invested years of their lives studying and practicing law, so their services won’t come cheap—nor should they.

What does a lawyer need to know?

Your lawyer needs to know the results you desire at the end of the suit. It helps them to work towards attaining them. For instance, if you want monetary compensation for something terrible that was done to you, let them know. Do not forget to tell them the amount you think would be enough for you.

Do lawyers want to know your case?

A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. This includes the circumstances that forced you to file the suit. When answering this question, be as honest as possible. Do not withhold any important information from your attorney. It will increase your chances of winning in court.

Can a lawyer negotiate with a client?

You can even ask them to lower them for your convenience. Most lawyers have no problem negotiating with their clients. These are some of the many questions that your attorney might ask you during your first meeting. Be as genuine as possible because it will lay a solid foundation for your working relationship.

What do lawyers do?

Your lawyer is trying to defend you in a way you cannot do by yourself, and to do this effectively they will need to know you and your story.#N#Facts are one thing—the details of the incident, your medical history, documents from insurers and hospitals—but your lawyer should want to represent you, not just review records.#N#Additionally, you will need to consult with your attorney and their staff on various aspects of the case.#N#Some lawyers also handle cases differently based on their own personality. Some welcome (and even insist upon) a high level of involvement from clients. Others prefer to do much of the work themselves. Make certain you know exactly what your lawyer expects of you before committing.

How do personal injury lawyers work?

Most personal injury lawyers work based on a contingency fee agreement. This means that you only pay legal fees if they’re able to obtain monetary compensation for your injury.#N#Contingency fees by high-quality attorneys are generally 40% of the settlement, but can sometimes be reduced in certain situations. Be sure to read your retainer documents thoroughly before hiring your attorney. And, be weary of law firms who advertise that they can do your case “on the cheap.” You generally get what you pay for.

What do personal injury attorneys charge for litigation?

The common saying is “we only get paid if we win for you.”#N#Out-of-pocket costs that attorneys advance include filing fees, medical records retrieval fees, and expert witness costs. Many lawyers will stipulate that these additional costs are not your responsibility if the case is lost, but others may require you to cover these costs if the case is lost.#N#Always be sure to ask this question when seeking legal counsel and make sure you fully comprehend any agreements you are asked to sign.

Why is it important to have an expert?

Your attorney will be able to tell you what your chances are, approximately how much your case is worth financially, and if your case should be pursued. This may be one of the most important questions you can ask an experienced attorney and help you avoid additional ...

What happens if you are injured?

If you’re injured, you can incur expensive medical costs, lose wages from your job, and be forced to deal with tight-fisted insurance companies. If you’ve suffered injuries due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, you should always consult with a qualified law firm that has proven success with personal injury cases.

Do lawyers handle cases differently?

Some lawyers also handle cases differently based on their own personality. Some welcome (and even insist upon) a high level of involvement from clients. Others prefer to do much of the work themselves. Make certain you know exactly what your lawyer expects of you before committing. 7.

Is it hard to find a good lawyer?

Good lawyers can be hard to find. The stress of an injury and financial loss can be very hard to bear. Adding a bad or inexperienced lawyer to the mix will not help. Make sure to find the right lawyer who will represent you fairly, faithfully, and honestly. That will put you on solid ground during a very unstable time. You should also complete all medical treatment recommended by your doctors, because it will potentially impact the success of your case.

How to contact an estate attorney in Arizona?

Call Arizona Estate Attorney Dave Weed at (480)426-8359 to discuss your case today.

What to do if you are unsure about your taxes?

If you are unsure about the tax situation, you should contact the person who handled returns for the deceased. They should have copies of past tax returns, and they should be up to speed on any outstanding audits, tax debts or other issues. The days and weeks following the death of a loved one can seem like a blur.

What happens if assets are less than debts?

If the assets in the estate are less than the debts and tax obligations, those debts do not become the responsibility of the loved ones left behind. Unfortunately, many people do not understand this, and they end up paying off debts for which they have no financial or legal responsibility.

What to expect after a loved one dies?

The days and weeks following the death of a loved one can seem like a blur. The grieving process is difficult enough, but there will also be a funeral to plan, relatives to notify and financial issues to handle . Meeting with an estate attorney as soon as possible can ease your burden and make a difficult time easier to bear.

What happens if you don't open a probate estate?

If you fail to open a probate estate, you could be liable for taxes and other claims. Even if you do not think a probate estate is necessary, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced estate attorney.

What is the best way to protect assets after a loved one dies?

The best way to protect the assets is to open the estate right away.

Do debts disappear when someone dies?

There is a great deal of confusion about how debts are handled when an individual dies. Some people think that these debts simply disappear when the debtor dies, but that is not always the case. While some debts are forgiven on death, others follow the deceased and become part of the estate. The good news is that the family members ...

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)

What happens if my wife doesn't have a will?

If she did not have a will, then the property will depending upon the circumstances pass to those heirs named in the Texas statutes on Intestacy. Hire a lawyer. If your wife had a will that left everything to you then you need to probate it. If she did not have a will, then the property will...

What to do if your child is raped?

If your child was raped, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a party or parties that both Perpetrated the assault, as well as who may have been negligent in allowing that assault to happen. You should discuss your Daughters case with counsel in your jurisdiction to investigate the possibility of bringing a civil action against the perpetrator and/or other culpable... Read More

Can you be stuck with a property that was passed to four beneficiaries?

It depends somewhat on how the property was bequeathed. If it was directly passed in undivided interests to four beneficiaries you may be stuck with it, absent agreement or a law suit for partition of the property (a court ordered sale). If on the other hand the property is simply in the "residue" of the estate and not specifically passed, then generally it will need to be... Read More

Is a business name the same as a trademark?

A business name and a trademark are not the same thing. However, your description says you can find him on the Internet using the name to promote his business. That use gives him priority in Trademark law. There will be other questions you find as you seek to open an e-commerce web site or App. In my experience, working with a lawyer as you begin will save you a... Read More

Do you get the home if you pass away?

When you say would she get the home, do you mean if you pass away? Since this is posted under Wills and Probate, I will answer with those facts. In short, it depends on what the title says. If she is on the deed and it is jointly owned with rights of survivorship, then yes, she gets the home if you pass away . If she is on the deed and there are no survivorship... Read More