Your first meeting with a lawyer is like an interview; you are the main interviewer. That’s when you should decide whether to hire the lawyer in question. Even if you don’t know the details of your case, asking some important questions will help you understand if the legal representative is appropriate for you.
These are basically interview questions, and you have every right to interview your potential lawyer. Because you’d be paying hundreds of dollars for their service. Several people feel intimidated on their first visit and forget to ask essential questions.
Well, you shouldn’t be. Here are simple questions to ask your potential lawyer at the interview stage!
1. How Long Have They Practiced?
The length of practice isn’t proof of proficiency. However, asking the lawyer how long they’ve practiced is a great ice-breaker. It sets things in play and could ease you into the conversation, making you less nervous. From here, you can delve into simple questions like the school they attended.
Sometimes, new lawyers have way more experience than people who have been in the profession for years.
But from here, you’ll get into more profound questions like:
2. What Area of Law Does the Lawyer Practice?
Lawyers may specialize in one practice area of law. Most attorneys practice in a few similar areas. But if you need a personal injury lawyer, you don’t want someone with experience in family law only.
Ask if your attorney has handled cases like yours in the past. Question them about their experience in this area of law. This information will give you insight into their familiarity with cases similar to yours.
3. Ask If the Attorney Has Handled Similar Cases
Of course, an attorney can’t discuss some instances in detail but ask for the basics. Has the lawyer represented people in similar situations? Did the case go to trial, and did the attorney win? Questions like these will put your mind at rest that you are in the right hands.
It’s also great to ask about the workload in the law firm at the moment. You need to be sure that the attorney has the time to focus on your case without too many distractions from several other cases.
Hiring an attorney with very few cases might also be a problem. You may need to probe into why it’s difficult to attract new clients?
4. Who’s Your Typical Client?
Trust us; this question is equally important when dealing with a prospective attorney. Some attorneys represent only a kind of client, like individuals with high net worth or only tenants, employers, etc.
Asking for their typical clients saves you time and effort while seeking the perfect attorney for your case. Be sure to ask for a referral if you aren’t the attorney’s ideal client.
5. Ask About Fee Agreement
You deserve to know how much the case will cost you. Does the attorney charge hourly or fixed fees? Don’t hesitate to tell the lawyer if the price is too high. In some instances, you can work out alternate payment plans.
Get information about the billing details, including phone calls and emails.
6. Do You Have Legal Knowledge That Can Help?
There may be twists and turns in your case that require specific knowledge. Your attorney may be able to help in that regard. Ask if they have any tips or knowledge that will help your case.
For instance, dealing with issues of intellectual property requires some knowledge of IT. Hence, a lawyer who understands computer science would offer a great deal of assistance.
7. Do You Have Any Other Approach to this Issue?
ADR could be a feasible option in your case. So, asking questions like these may save you from the hassle of a court case. For instance, instead of divorce litigation, you may opt for divorce mediation.
8. How Well Do You Communicate With Clients?
Attorneys are often guilty of a lack of communication. Ask your lawyer if this also applies to them. Would they carry you along throughout the process and give you every little detail without holding anything back?
Lack of communication could be frustrating.
9. What are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
Honest attorneys will let you know exactly where you stand before taking your case. This will help you determine your chances of winning and how well your defense will hold.
But if your attorney doesn’t mention it, ask. Find out the worst-case scenario and what would happen if you lose the case.
Note that law is dynamic in every way. So, an attorney can’t always guarantee a win. What a great attorney should guarantee you is their best to ensure you win the case. Sometimes, that’s enough; other times, a little short.
The attorney-client relationship should be characterized by transparency. As the saying goes, don’t lie to your lawyer. But similarly, you have every right to expect honesty from your lawyer. Before you hire a lawyer, ask as many questions as possible; it’s your right to know!