what should you expect from your lawyer?

What You Should Expect From a Lawyer

• Communication With Your Lawyer. Communication problems create problems in all types of relationships—including between an attorney and client.
• Your Right to Attorney Competence. It's a big shock to most people that there is no guarantee that your lawyer will do a good job. ...
• Your Lawyer Should be Ethical. ...
• You Should Understand the Legal Fees. ...

Full Answer

What should I expect from my attorney?

You can also expect your attorney to respond to communications from you in a timely manner. Of course, your case is not the only one your attorney is handling at any given time, and at times a prompt response may not be possible. For example, your attorney may be in court.

Will my lawyer do a good job?

It's a big shock to most people that there is no guarantee that your lawyer will do a good job. Bar associations tasked with monitoring attorneys go after lawyers who steal or violate specific ethical rules—not lawyers who just aren't very good. Part of the reason is that what constitutes a "good job" is somewhat relative.

What are the rules of being a lawyer?

Each state has ethical laws that bind lawyers. Commonly, these rules require lawyers to: represent their clients with undivided loyalty. keep their clients' confidences. represent their clients within the bounds of the law, and. put their clients' interests ahead of their own.

What are the duties of a lawyer?

Lawyers are, after all, human. However, a lawyer also has a duty to provide you with competent representation.

How to tell your lawyer everything?

You should: follow through on what you agree to do. prepare a written summary and chronology of events. tell your lawyer everything. 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.

Why is it important to hire a lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer, it's important that your fee agreement is in writing and that you understand it. It's a simple way to avoid a common cause of contention with clients—the legal bills.

Why do bar associations monitor lawyers?

Bar associations tasked with monitoring attorneys go after lawyers who steal or violate specific ethical rules—not lawyers who just aren't very good. Part of the reason is that what constitutes a "good job" is somewhat relative. For instance, a client might expect an acquittal in a criminal case.

What to do when a lawyer doesn't communicate?

When you initially retain counsel, your lawyer should: explain the options available in your legal matter. discuss strategy.

What happens if you don't communicate with your lawyer?

Communication problems create problems in all types of relationships—including between an attorney and client. If you don't know what's going on in your lawsuit, you might assume you have a bad lawyer. To the contrary, your attorney could be doing a great job. Either way, a lawyer who doesn't communicate case progress is invariably increasing, not decreasing, your stress.

Can you hear from a lawyer who is in trial?

For instance, it's common to hear less frequently from a lawyer who is in trial. But someone in the office should be able to explain when you'll hear from your attorney and assure you that the office is handling your case appropriately. Find out how to hire the right attorney.

Can a client expect an acquittal in a criminal case?

For instance, a client might expect an acquittal in a criminal case. However, other private criminal attorneys might consider a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor charge a job well done.

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:

How to Prepare for a Lawyer Consultation

Finding the right lawyer for your case requires you to ask the right questions. Learn what you can ask before hiring an attorney to ensure you are choosing the right advocate for your case.

How to Find an Attorney Who's Right for You

When faced with a legal problem, many people don't know how to begin looking for a attorney. Attorneys—and the law—can seem unfamiliar and intimidating. But the process is easier if you first understand a few things about attorneys and the ways they can help you.

How to Sue Your Lawyer

It can be very frustrating when an attorney you trusted to help you with a legal problem has violated that trust. Find out when and if you can file for malpractice against a lawyer you hired.

How to Find a Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer for you may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be if you know what questions to ask.

Types of Lawyers

Whatever your legal problem, there’s likely an attorney who specializes in dealing specifically with your particular legal issue.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer for your needs may seem like an intimidating process, but, as with any other consumer transaction, doing your research is key. At one point or another, many people find themselves in a situation where they're in need of the services of a good lawyer.

When to Hire a Lawyer

Should you hire a lawyer or handle things on your own? Get some guidance for making this crucial decision. Find out when you clearly need legal help, and when you might be able to get by without the additional expense.

What should an attorney know?

Knowledge: Your attorney should have a thorough knowledge of deadlines, procedure and general legal principals in the area of law in which he or she specializes. But, do not expect your attorney to know all aspects of the law on command. Even if your attorney is the foremost expert in the area of the law in which you hired him, ...

What should an attorney explain to you?

Your attorney should also explain anticipated costs associated with your case, including expert witness and filing fees, and whether the attorney expects you to pay the costs upfront or whether he will advance some or all of the costs until the case is resolved. Fair Representation: It is not fair to expect your attorney to work miracles.

How do attorneys communicate with clients?

Some attorneys prefer the majority of client communication by phone calls, in-office meetings or mail, while others prefer communicating mainly by email. There is no "best" method – only what you and your attorney agree works for both of you.

What should an attorney know about a transactional case?

Whether it is a negotiation meeting in a transactional case, a deposition, a court hearing, or trial, your attorney should be knowledgeable about the facts, the law, and your position.

What is the skill of a lawyer?

Skill: Your attorney should be skillful and comfortable in his or her area of practice. A contract attorney should be able to draft clear, unambiguous contract language. Although your trial attorney will likely not be as dramatic as we see on TV, he or she should be comfortable in the courtroom.

What are the rules of ethics for lawyers?

Communication: Rules of ethics governing lawyers require a lawyer to keep their clients reasonably informed about the proceedings. At a minimum, this includes when: - The case is filed; - Settlement demands or offers are made; - Key motions are filed and resolved, and. - The case is dismissed.

Can an attorney micromanage a case?

You hired an attorney for a reason so do not expect to micromanage your case. Your attorney will decide what motions to file and what questions to ask witnesses at trial. However, you alone will make final decisions regarding settlement of the case.

What should an attorney expect from a lawyer?

Your lawyer should also be available to answer questions you have as you go through your case. In fact, they should anticipate stages where you may have questions and set times to review your case and give you an opportunity to ask questions about your case and strategy.

What is a lawyer obligated to do?

A lawyer is obligated to manage your case to their best of their abilities. They should resolve it in the most affordable and timely manner. Your attorney should never draw out your case for the purpose of incurring additional fees or overbilling.

What is an attorney's job?

It is your attorney’s job to guide you through your case and advise you on the best approach, but you always make the final decisions . An attorney should always follow your directions, even if they disagree with your instructions (as long as the instructions are legal). They can offer arguments and reasons for why your strategy isn’t recommended, but they are hired by you to act on your behalf and shouldn’t take action without your approval and permission.

What is the role of an attorney?

It’s your lawyer’s job to create the strategy for managing your case and to communicate that strategy to you. An attorney should explain what steps they are taking and why they believe their plan is the best option.

Is there a guarantee for a specific outcome in a legal case?

In most legal cases, there is no guarantee for a specific outcome. There are many factors that can impact the results of a case. It is your lawyer’s job to set realistic expectations for what that outcome may be. For example, if you approach a personal injury attorney and expect to win a million-dollar settlement, your attorney should advise you on whether or not that is possible.