Attorneys will usually offer a free or very low-cost consultation to discuss the details of your case and give you a chance to ask some basic questions about the attorney. This meeting should not just help you choose whether to move forward with an attorney in general, but also whether you should move forward with this lawyer. If you later decide to work with the lawyer, you will go into a more detailed discussion of your case and ask more specific questions along the way.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to have a list of questions in mind to ask during the meeting. Also, you should feel comfortable enough asking questions that relate to the lawyer’s expertise, experience, fees, special knowledge, and management of the case.
How long have you practiced law?
At a minimum, you’ll want to know about the lawyer’s experience and whether the lawyer is a veteran or novice attorney, for example. Your legal matter may quite possibly be handled by somebody that is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.
What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your work is devoted to (the practice area in question)?
You’ll also want to know about a lawyer’s expertise and how much of the lawyer’s work is devoted to the subject area your legal matter falls within. For example, if you need assistance with an adoption case, you may wish to look for a family law attorney that has dealt with, well, adoption cases. Go here for a complete list of technique location definitions.
Who is your typical client?
This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a specific legal problem, but the lawyer you’re meeting with represents just corporations, this might not be the best attorney for you. Also, you might wish to know the financial background of a few of the attorney’s clients. This is because there might be different problems a lawyer is used to considering when dealing with high net-worth people vs. college students.
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 clearly an important one. You’ll want to know whether you can afford the attorney’s services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how frequently, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.
Are there other ways for solving my legal problem?
Go ahead. Ask the professional whether there are any alternatives for resolving your legal problem, such as with arbitration or some other out-of-court arrangement. A good lawyer will usually inform you if your case can be handled by other less expensive and time consuming ways.
How will you let me know what’s going on with my case?
Communication is vital when working with a lawyer. Ask the attorney how often and under what conditions you will speak with him or her. You’ll want to know how your case is coming along and about other important information.
What is the likely outcome in my case?
Generally speaking, it is fair game to ask the attorney whether you have a likelihood of winning your case. You are not looking for the “right” answer, just an honest one. For example, if you’re facing an uphill battle in, let’s say, a nasty divorce case, you’ll want to know up front from the lawyer so you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
Finding the Right Lawyer for You
While the answers to questions you ask your Employment Lawyer in Detroit, MI will vary greatly, it’s important to keep in mind that nothing should be taken as a guarantee. Rather, these questions should provide you general knowledge of a certain attorney’s experience and skill-level, and whether the attorney is a good fit for you.
