Guide to Hiring a Lawyer

Before you choose a lawyer, you may want to interview a number of different ones. You could make a list of several lawyers, telephone each lawyer on your list, and obtain information that will help you make a decision. Some lawyers or their secretaries may give you information over the phone. Other lawyers, however, may want to meet briefly with you instead of discussing your problem over the phone. You should ask what, if any, charge there will be for this initial or consultation meeting.

Good preparation for meetings and discussions with your lawyer will help keep your costs down and ensure that your lawyer can provide you with the best representation. You should prepare for your meeting with a lawyer. Organize discussion topics prior to meeting and bring with you any relevant paperwork. Your lawyer may need some of the documents you bring with you so be prepared and retain copies for your own records. It might also be helpful to write down dates and times of events, the names and addresses of any witnesses and any other important facts.

You should try to understand that lawyers have professional and ethical commitments to all of their other clients, so you should expect a first meeting to last about 30 minutes on average. Write down everything you learn from each lawyer. Take some time to think things over and, then, make an appointment with the lawyer who seems best for you.

During your sessions, you should ask each lawyer questions such as:

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
• How long will it take to resolve my legal issue?
• Can you provide references?
• What is the likely outcome in my case?
• How much will your services cost me?