10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer
Posted by on Oct 27, 2016 in Blog
Between comedy routines, comic strips and everyday jokes, it can be easy to get misconceptions about lawyers, legal firms and their environments. Whether you are skeptical, intimidated or somewhere in between, Heritage Law is here to set the record straight. Below you will find 10 simple questions to ask your lawyer before you hire them.
#1: Am I in the right place?
Many law firms offer a full range of legal services, while others may only work in specific fields such as real estate law or family law. Ask your lawyer upfront about their specialty or specialties and their legal background. Also, don’t be afraid of seeking a second opinion.
#2: What kind of experience do you have?
Ask the lawyer about recent cases they have worked and about cases similar to yours. Follow-up questions about specifics can help highlight a lawyer’s strengths, weaknesses and blindspots.
#3: What are typical outcomes to cases like mine?
While they will not and should not guarantee results, a potential lawyer likely has a general idea of how similar cases have proceeded. Test this knowledge and ensure you get an honest, informed assessment of how your case is expected to play out.
#4: How should we approach the case?
Are there alternatives? Once you are up to speed on the typical outcomes, have your potential lawyer to lay out their strategy for the case. If they only offer one approach, ask them about other methods and why they did not present them.
#5: Who will be working on my case?
Lawyers are very important members of law firms, but they are rarely the only person that will see your case. If a colleague or junior staff-member is to work on your case, your lawyer should disclose who it is and for what reason.
#6: Is there an estimated timeline for my case?
Discussing an approach to a case is one thing, but executing it is another job entirely. Lawyers should be able to estimate best-case and worst-case schedules or timelines for any potential client.
#7: How will we stay in touch?
As legal matters can take weeks, months, even years– it is important to have clear interactions with your lawyer. Exchange information and ensure you know their preferred mode of communication.
#8: What should I do?
What should I not do? Many clients want to help however they can, but often this means getting involved as little as possible. Unless explicitly instructed, doing work that should be done by a lawyer can cause severe complications.
#9: Is there any reason you should avoid working my case?
Ask about the lawyer’s familiarity with the court or any conflicts of interest. Always inquire about bad reviews from past clients, legal complaints or punishments against their firm.
#10: How do you manage fees and expenses?
How will I be billed? Never be afraid to ask about the cost of your legal work. Good lawyers should be prepared with detailed information about fees, expenses and billing for many types of clients and cases.
If you are planning to find legal help, use the above list and your own concerns to create an “interview” for your prospective lawyer. The team here at Heritage Law is ready to answer all of your questions and more– contact or visit us today!
