what to ask a lawyer at first

by Ms. Delphia Weimann I 5 min read

10 Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer You’re Meeting for the First Time

  1. How Long Have You Practiced Law? There’s, of course, no right answer to this one. The more experienced can serve as a...
  2. What Types of Cases Do You Manage? We’re going granular here, defining exactly just how good of a fit the lawyer...
  3. Who’s Your Typical Client? Before you wonder why this one’s...

5 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer During Your First Meeting
  • What Do You Need to Know from Me? ...
  • How Can I Make This Divorce Less Expensive? ...
  • What Can I Expect the Divorce Process to Be Like? ...
  • What Are My Next Steps After This Meeting? ...
  • Tell Me About Yourself.
Oct 29, 2019

Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

10 Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer You’re Meeting for the First Time 1. How Long Have You Practiced Law? There’s, of course, no right answer to this one. The more experienced can serve …

How do I Ask an attorney a question?

Jun 16, 2021 · This question helps you to find out the lawyer’s track record, how many cases were won and settled that were similar to yours. Ask about the possible outcomes of cases like …

What would you ask an attorney?

Apr 09, 2015 · Please answer a few questions to help us match you with attorneys in your area. Select Your Legal Issue. Select Your Legal Issue. Airplane Business Transactions. Auto …

What kind of lawyer do you really want to be?

Oct 27, 2021 · C) In relation to the previous sub-questions, it’s okay to ask the lawyer how many cases similar to yours they’ve won. Remember: this is a “job interview” for the attorney. It’s …

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What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) 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?
•
Jan 29, 2017

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?
•
Apr 13, 2018

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a Lawyer
  • Have 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.
•
Feb 6, 2020

How do I prepare for my first meeting with a lawyer?

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

What lawyers should not tell?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your Lawyer
  • I 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.
•
Mar 17, 2021

What to say to hire a lawyer?

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Lawyer- Tips and Tricks to getting the, "Right Lawyer" for your case.
  • Ask yourself, "Am I Going to Be Comfortable Talking to This Person?" ...
  • Ask, "What is the plan and what is the backup plan for my type of case?" ...
  • Ask, "Who will be involved in my case and how do they work on cases?"
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Mar 1, 2021

What do you say when you call a lawyer for the first time?

Have a summary of your issue(s) – Before contacting an attorney, give some thought to your issue(s) and summarize the key aspects of your problem. I often find that when people call me to discuss an issue they are nervous and forget details.Oct 15, 2018

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

How long should it take for a lawyer to get back to you?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.Dec 28, 2019

What is an initial consultation?

An Initial consultation is a 90 minute consultation for a new client who would like to meet with a psychologist to discuss current issues and/or concerns and talk about strategies and goals for therapy and/or a treatment plan.

What do lawyers do in a consultation?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

7 Questions To Ask Your Lawyer At Your First Consultation

When you are looking for a lawyer, it can be a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience with one nor have a good recommendation from a trusted family member or friend.

Injured? Contact Cesar Ornelas Law

If you are in need of a skilled, reputable lawyer who will be that type of representative for you regarding an injury case, take the time to call Cesar Ornelas Law at 210-405-6503 or visit his website at cesarornelaslaw.com to click on “ contact ” on the top menu to see how he can help! His office is available 24/7.

7 Questions to Ask Your Lawyer at Your First Consultation

When you are looking for a lawyer, it can be a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience with one nor have a good recommendation from a trusted family member or friend.

Injured? Contact Ornelas & Serna Law

If you are in need of a skilled, reputable lawyer who will be that type of representative for you regarding an injury case, take the time to contact Ornelas & Serna Law to get the justice you deserve.

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.

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.

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.

Can a conflict arise when interviewing a lawyer?

A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by a co-defendant in your case. Not all conflicts automatically disqualify potential counsel, but you must be fully aware of and understand the nature of the conflict before deciding whether to hire a lawyer in spite of it.

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.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys in every state have an ethical obligation to advise you of any conflict of interest. Still, you should ask the question. 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 ...

What should an attorney know about your case?

An attorney should also be able to identify obvious issues and common problems that may arise. He or she should make you aware of any risks or hurdles that you are likely to face in pursuing your case.

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.

Can an attorney use a paralegal?

An attorney may utilize a paralegal for routine tasks and follow-ups. 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.

What is an associate attorney?

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

1- Do you know my partner in any way?

The last thing you want happening is your lawyer not performing to their bests due to emotional attachments with your spouse.

2- How many divorce cases were you able to settle without court proceedings?

Taking divorce cases to court only prolongs it unnecessarily. Most times, the only effect of taking a divorce to court is elevated fees.

3- How many divorce cases have you handled?

The divorce attorney is offering a service. Most service providers don’t get it right at the first attempt. While they get better over time, you don’t want to be a source of experience to the lawyer.

4- Will another lawyer be taking up my case at any point in time?

After conducting tons of research and asking tens of questions, you’ve decided to settle on a divorce lawyer.

5- Can I access all of my documents at will?

Your documents are all yours, and there are no reasons why your attorney should be keeping them away from you. A typical answer to this question should be a resounding yes.

6- Are there any hidden costs?

Most times, you may have to pay extra costs if the divorce process meets a specific condition.

7- What are the available means of communication?

Good divorce lawyers are excellent communicators. They must be available to answer your questions at any time while reaching you for information if need be.

What should an attorney explain to you?

The attorney should explain to you the importance of the attorney - client relationship and the privilege in communications. The attorney should explain to you how and why you should not disclose attorney - client communications to any third parties or your spouse. This is a complex topic.

Can an attorney make court appearances?

In a law firm setting, the attorney with whom you meet may not be the attorney who makes the court appearances. Sometimes there are specific attorneys designated and law firms who handle court appearances. These attorneys may not be the same attorneys who handle the various day-to-day paperwork on your case.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

Can a divorce attorney tell you what the results are?

No attorney can guarantee to you a particular result. However, experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorneys should be able to tell you what the typical and results are in cases similar to yours. The more factual disagreement there is between you and your spouse, the harder it is to estimate the potential outcome.

Do experienced divorce attorneys know the law?

Experienced divorce attorneys will not struggle to answer your questions. Experienced divorce attorneys should rarely not know the law. The better divorce attorneys even show you the law in our codes.

Can a divorce attorney answer alimony questions?

It will be more difficult for a divorce attorney to answer your questions about the ultimate alimony amount at the judgment phase. That is because the attorney would have to first conduct or have a proper expert conduct a marital standard of living analysis, which includes an analysis of Family Code 4320.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

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