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Difference between revisions of "Lawyers & The Law Society"
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===The first interview=== | ===The first interview=== | ||
Once you've gathered the names of a few lawyers who sound promising, make an appointment to meet with each of them. Some lawyers <span class="noglossary">will</span> offer you some of their time for free or at a reduced rate for an initial interview | Once you've gathered the names of a few lawyers who sound promising, make an appointment to meet with each of them. Some lawyers <span class="noglossary">will</span> offer you some of their time for free or at a reduced rate for an initial interview. The lawyers you meet through the Lawyer Referral Service <span class="noglossary">will</span> charge a special reduced fee for a half-hour initial interview. Most lawyers however <span class="noglossary">will</span> bill for initial interviews at their usual hourly rate. | ||
Do not assume that the lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> not charge for his or her time unless the lawyer specifically advertises that he or she offers free initial consultations. Expect a bill for the lawyer's time! | Do not assume that the lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> not charge for his or her time unless the lawyer specifically advertises that he or she offers free initial consultations. Expect a bill for the lawyer's time! | ||
Use this first meeting as an opportunity to assess how you feel about each lawyer and how you relate to them; you needn't hire the first lawyer you meet | Use this first meeting as an opportunity to assess how you feel about each lawyer and how you relate to them; you needn't hire the first lawyer you meet. You are entitled to shop around before you choose the lawyer who is right for you. You can also use your first interview with each lawyer to get that lawyer's take on your problem. Tell him or her about your problem concisely, and let the lawyer ask questions which pull out the details of your problem. | ||
Don't be shy about asking lawyers about their hourly rates, how they <span class="noglossary">will</span> bill you, and what sort of disbursements (a lawyer's out-of-pocket expenses for things like photocopying and filing fees) the lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> expect that you pay for. Ask what sort of retainer they <span class="noglossary">will</span> require, what their interest rate is on overdue accounts, and whether they <span class="noglossary">will</span> be charging you any additional fees based on their success or the complexity of your problem. Ask whether anyone else in his or her firm <span class="noglossary">will</span> be working on your file, whether you <span class="noglossary">will</span> be billed for their work, and maybe ask to meet them too. | Don't be shy about asking lawyers about their hourly rates, how they <span class="noglossary">will</span> bill you, and what sort of disbursements (a lawyer's out-of-pocket expenses for things like photocopying and filing fees) the lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> expect that you pay for. Ask what sort of retainer they <span class="noglossary">will</span> require, what their interest rate is on overdue accounts, and whether they <span class="noglossary">will</span> be charging you any additional fees based on their success or the complexity of your problem. Ask whether anyone else in his or her firm <span class="noglossary">will</span> be working on your file, whether you <span class="noglossary">will</span> be billed for their work, and maybe ask to meet them too. | ||
