Choosing a Lawyer: Difference between revisions
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Once you choose a lawyer—one you are comfortable with and whose advice you value—carefully prepare for your first interview with the lawyer. You can still change lawyers after the first interview—or at any time—if you’re not happy with the lawyer. | Once you choose a lawyer—one you are comfortable with and whose advice you value—carefully prepare for your first interview with the lawyer. You can still change lawyers after the first interview—or at any time—if you’re not happy with the lawyer. | ||
1. Collect and organize your information | ===1. Collect and organize your information=== | ||
You have to give the lawyer a clear picture of your problem and goal. Make notes of all the facts of your case, in an organized way—usually chronologically (by time). Gather and organize all the documents on your case. Bring the notes and documents to the interview. For example, if you had a car accident, write everything you remember about how the accident happened and your injuries. Draw a diagram of the accident scene. List all your expenses. Bring all your receipts and paperwork, like accident and insurance reports. This lets the lawyer advise you properly and quickly. | You have to give the lawyer a clear picture of your problem and goal. Make notes of all the facts of your case, in an organized way—usually chronologically (by time). Gather and organize all the documents on your case. Bring the notes and documents to the interview. For example, if you had a car accident, write everything you remember about how the accident happened and your injuries. Draw a diagram of the accident scene. List all your expenses. Bring all your receipts and paperwork, like accident and insurance reports. This lets the lawyer advise you properly and quickly. | ||
2. Ask lots of questions | ===2. Ask lots of questions=== | ||
Use the first interview to get as much information as you can. Even if you got the lawyer's name through Lawyer Referral Service, there is no guarantee that this lawyer is right for you. Ask questions, such as: | Use the first interview to get as much information as you can. Even if you got the lawyer's name through Lawyer Referral Service, there is no guarantee that this lawyer is right for you. Ask questions, such as: | ||
*Does the lawyer have experience in your type of problem? | *Does the lawyer have experience in your type of problem? | ||
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*How much will your case cost? See the next section for more on costs. | *How much will your case cost? See the next section for more on costs. | ||
3. Ask about fees and disbursements (expenses) | ===3. Ask about fees and disbursements (expenses)=== | ||
Always ask about fees and expenses in the first interview. Ask the lawyer to estimate about how much it will cost to solve your problem—including fees and expenses (called disbursements). How will the lawyer bill you: monthly or at the end of the case? How does the lawyer charge—a flat rate, by the hour, or a percentage of what you win? Refer to script 438, called “Lawyers’ | Always ask about fees and expenses in the first interview. Ask the lawyer to estimate about how much it will cost to solve your problem—including fees and expenses (called disbursements). How will the lawyer bill you: monthly or at the end of the case? How does the lawyer charge—a flat rate, by the hour, or a percentage of what you win? Refer to script 438, called “Lawyers’ Fees”, for more details. | ||
4. Ask if you have a strong case | ===4. Ask if you have a strong case=== | ||
Ask the lawyer for a realistic opinion of your case and your chance of winning. Should you settle the case instead of suing? Can you do anything to reduce the lawyer’s time on your case, and to reduce your costs? | Ask the lawyer for a realistic opinion of your case and your chance of winning. Should you settle the case instead of suing? Can you do anything to reduce the lawyer’s time on your case, and to reduce your costs? | ||
5. Make sure the lawyer reports to you | ===5. Make sure the lawyer reports to you=== | ||
Once you hire a lawyer, explain that you want to be informed of all developments in your case. The best way to ensure this is by having the lawyer automatically send you a copy of all correspondence on your case. Then you can avoid repeated phone calls to find out what's happening, because those phone calls cost you money. | Once you hire a lawyer, explain that you want to be informed of all developments in your case. The best way to ensure this is by having the lawyer automatically send you a copy of all correspondence on your case. Then you can avoid repeated phone calls to find out what's happening, because those phone calls cost you money. | ||