When It Comes To Your Legal Matter, Become An Educated Consumer

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Your relationship with your attorney shouldn’t be much different from your relationship with your doctor. In either profession, you look for a provider you can trust, whose experience reflects your needs, and who has succeeded with cases like yours.

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Don’t rush. Meet with more than one law firm before you make a decision. During the conversation, ask get-acquainted questions like these

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“How Often Have You Tried Cases Like Mine In Court?”

Most cases are settled before they go to trial, but the chances of a successful settlement often depend on the attorney’s reputation as a fighter, willing to go to court. A lawyer who lacks courtroom confidence is less likely to negotiate the best results in a settlement.

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“In Cases Like Mine, What Results Have You Had In Negotiating Settlements?”

Try to find out how much experience — and success — the attorney has had in negotiating settlements, especially when his clients have been people like yourself.

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Other Questions To Ask

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• The list of questions is countless but here are a few other essential questions to ask your lawyer:

• Will there be a charge for the initial conference to review my case? How much?

• Will there be a retainer fee? In other words, will I have to pay you before you begin work on my case

• Again, how much?

• If you accept my case, will you charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sum I win? How much would the flat fee or percentage amount to?

• Who are the other members of the legal team who will help you handle my case?

• Will you advance the costs (such as fees for investigators and technical experts, filing fees, and other expenses) involved in pursuing my case?

• How often will you communicate with me, and how—via face-to-face meetings, phone, email?

• Emotions can run high when you’re fighting for your rights but remember: taking your time in selecting an attorney will save you trouble later on.

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