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Difference between revisions of "You and Your Lawyer"
From Clicklaw Wikibooks
→The first interview
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Once you've gathered the names of a few lawyers who sound promising, make an appointment to meet with each of them. A few 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. | Once you've gathered the names of a few lawyers who sound promising, make an appointment to meet with each of them. A few 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 <span class="noglossary">assess</span> 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. | Use this first meeting as an opportunity to <span class="noglossary">assess</span> 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. | ||
