how to tell someone that i want to consult with my attorney

If you talk to a receptionist or legal assistant, let them know the name of the attorney you want to speak to. At some small firms, they will simply answer the phone "law office." You can either ask who you're speaking to or ask to speak to the attorney directly.

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How do I find a good lawyer to consult?

Finding the Right Attorney Before you can have an attorney consultation, you need to find a lawyer who might be a good fit. Look for an attorney who focuses his or her practice on your type of legal question, or someone who lists this as a type of law they regularly practice. Your local bar association may have a referral program.

How can I tell if a lawyer is experienced?

A lawyer who has done one or two is not very experienced. You may wish to ask how long the attorney has been practicing law and how long he or she has practiced in your county or area, which will give you an idea how familiar the lawyer is with local judges and procedures.

What happens at an initial consultation with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

How do I find the right lawyer for my case?

Finding the right lawyer for your case requires you to ask the right questions. Learn what you can ask before hiring an attorney to ensure you are choosing the right advocate for your case. When you need to hire an attorney for legal services, you want to be sure to hire the right person for your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Business Name?

What to ask a lawyer before a consultation?

How to get an attorney consultation?

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

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What is the proper way to refer to a lawyer?

When you correspond with a lawyer, you have two choices:Write the person using a standard courtesy title (“Mr. Robert Jones” or “Ms. Cynthia Adams”)Skip the courtesy title and put “Esquire” after the name, using its abbreviated form, “Esq.” (“Robert Jones, Esq.” or “Cynthia Adams, Esq.”)

What should I say to my attorney?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

What does it mean to consult with a lawyer?

A legal consultation is a chance for prospective clients with legal needs to meet with (in-person, over the phone, or through video chat) and discuss their legal needs with the attorney. This is where you discuss the relevant information regarding the type of legal assistance you need representation for.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

How do you start a letter to an attorney?

Begin your traditional letter or email with "Dear Mr. ..." or "Dear Ms...", followed by the attorney's surname and a colon. For example, use "Dear Mr. Smith:" to address the attorney. If you write legal letters frequently, save this template to use in future correspondence.

How do you address an attorney in an email?

Method 1 of 2: In the salutation for a letter or email, address an attorney the same way you would any other respected professional- using "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their surname. Generally, this is the best way to address an attorney if you've never spoken to them before.

Which is better attorney or lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who has earned a law degree or Juris Doctor (JD) from a law school. The person is educated in the law, but is not licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania or another state. An attorney is an individual who has a law degree and has been admitted to practice law in one or more states.

What questions should I ask a lawyer at a consultation?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...

What is initial consultation?

An Initial consultation is a 90 minute consultation for a new client who would like to meet with a psychologist to discuss current issues and/or concerns and talk about strategies and goals for therapy and/or a treatment plan.

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Five Questions You Should Ask:Will you be the attorney personally handling my case?Will you take the case all the way to trial if necessary?What results have you obtained in the past for cases like mine?Can I call or email you directly with questions I have about my case?More items...

How do I ask my lawyer for an update?

AnswerRaise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. ... Be reasonable. A defendant who phones his or her attorney with a request for information can indicate a willingness to speak with the lawyer's associate, secretary, or paralegal.

What are some questions an attorney might ask a new client?

What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. ... What do you hope to accomplish? ... How do you want us to communicate? ... Why did you choose me? ... Are you comfortable with my rates?

Should you tell your lawyer everything?

It's almost always advisable to tell your lawyer the whole truth about your case, even if you've committed a crime. Giving your lawyer all the facts helps them craft the best defense by raising reasonable doubt. Even when a client admits guilt, there are usually many mitigating circumstances that can come into play.

What questions should I ask my lawyer about my case?

Questions you might ask your lawyerDo I have a problem that can be resolved by law?What legal risks am I facing?What documents do I need to support my case?Do I need statements from witnesses?What are my options for resolving the dispute out of court?How can I settle the case?More items...

How do you address a female attorney in a letter?

Address the envelope with her full name and either "Attorney At Law" or "Esquire." Do not use "Ms." on the envelope. For example, "Mary Smith, Attorney At Law." The next line would be the name of her law firm if applicable, then the address.

How do you address a legal letter?

Type the Name and Address of the Judge or Court Staff If you are sending the letter to a member of the court staff, use a proper title, such as Mr., before his name. If you do not have the name of a specific person, use the title listed on any paperwork you have received from the court.

3 Steps to An Effective Lawyer Consultation - Need an Attorney

There comes a time in almost every person’s life when they will have to get a lawyer consultation and work with a lawyer. While most people think of working with a lawyer as something that only happens when a crime is committed, the truth is that the reasons you might work with an attorney range from adopting a child to starting a new business.

12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer | Lawyers.com

Here are 12 questions you can ask your potential lawyer to help you decide if the lawyer is the right lawyer for your case.

Seven tips on preparing for your initial consultation with a lawyer

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation.This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation with an Attorney | What ...

What to Expect From a Consultation. The purpose of a consultation is to determine whether our firm is a good fit for your legal needs. Although we often discuss expected results and costs, our attorneys do not give legal advice unless and until you choose to retain us.

Writing a Simple Letter to Attorney Requesting Help [Free Sample]

A letter to an attorney can be the first step to getting the help that is needed. There are several reasons to ask a lawyer for help. A letter can ask for initial help with a variety of issues. Help may be needed to know what is happening with a pending case such as a child custody case or a car accident.

Preparing to Meet With Your Lawyer for the First Time | Lawyers.com

You know that you have a pressing legal matter and need to schedule a consultation meeting with an attorney. When you sit down with your lawyer for the first time, you'll want to make the most of that meeting.

What is the job of a lawyer?

For most lawyers, their job is to keep their clients *out* of court. Litigators are a minority.

Why do lawyers find out when they bring in a lawyer?

The thing is, if you’re bringing in an lawyer, they’re going to find that out because the lawyer is going to contact them! So this is about how to give them a heads-up about that so that they don’t learn it for the first time when the lawyer makes contact. The idea is to keep things sounding as un-hostile and as un-adversarial as you can (within reason).

What can a lawyer tell you?

A good lawyer can tell you what will be to your tactical advantage, including how to give any opposing side more than enough rope to tie their own hands.

Is a lawyer transactional?

That’s not true, at least in the U.S—the majority of American lawyers are transactional lawyers. Litigators (many of which are not trial lawyers) are the biggest practice block for BigLaw, but not for the profession writ large.

Is Work Comp state driven?

In my state, you have been correctly compensated by the WC carrier. HOWEVER, comp law is very state driven. If it was me, I’d consult a WC lawyer as to what is compensable in your state. Also, on the off chance there are 2 states involved (you live in one, were hurt in another) you might be able to choose the state which benefits you most. Good luck!

Where to report pay stuff?

With pay stuff, you can often report it to your state department of labor and don’t need to hire an attorney! You can talk to your state DoL about whether or not they can keep your identity confidential.

Is blindsided best?

I think there may be times when blindsiding is best. But your attorney is a skilled professional who can advise on whether to blindside them or not in your particular case.

Why is it so expensive to go to court?

It's expensive because we have to wait in line too. Going to court is more than dressing up in a fancy suit and knowing what papers to fill out. Attorneys have to wait in line just like the "regular folk" and we are at the mercy of the court staff just like everyone else. If you get a bill that includes time spent waiting in court, it's not usually exaggerated. While some people may stretch the truth - if you want to see whether I had to wait an hour for the case to get called, then just come with me to court. Some courtrooms have more than 50 cases on the call. Your case may not be first or even ninth. I have been number 210 on the list before. It takes time. Most people hired attorneys because they don't want to sit in court. Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hired attorneys because they don't want to sit in court. Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

Why is credibility important in court?

Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom. If you care enough only to wear sweats to the courthouse, then the judge will see that you don't care, and that will be reflected in their desire to help you, listen to you, and decide in your favor. Step it up.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

What to say when a judge can see your boobs?

If the judge can see your boobs, he's not listening to your story. If I can see your boobs, then I know you didn't care enough about yourself to talk to an attorney. Dress like you are going to church. Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

What to do if no one can confirm a story is true?

If no one can confirm that the story is true, you will at least need something external, such as a hard copy document, to prove your case. Be prepared.

When should you hire a lawyer?

When disputes arise, a person’s first inclination is often to call a lawyer, attorney Randolph Rice tells Reader’s Digest. But there are many situations in which hiring a lawyer is the last thing you should do. Says Rice, ideally, everyone would resolve disputes without lawyering up. “Getting lawyers involved can escalate tensions and delay resolution, all at great time and expense.” Take it from an attorney—before hiring one, consider if there are other ways to resolve your dispute. Maybe start by checking out these hilarious lawyer jokes.

What is a potential money pit?

When hiring an attorney, a potential money pit is “expenses” outside of the lawyer’s billable hours. Expenses include everything—copying and faxing costs, hiring expert witnesses, and even traveling via private jet, points out attorney Justin C. Roberts. Some lawyers don’t just pass the charges along; instead, they charge an additional percentage fee. Whatever their method, you need to know it up front so there won’t be any surprises when the bill arrives.

Why is it important to approach a lawyer with honesty?

“ Winning cases can be lost because of a client who lies or exaggerates just as easily as because of a lawyer who tells the client what the client wants to hear instead of what is true.” So when dealing with attorneys, don’t just look for honesty—be honest.

How to get a good lawyer to take your case?

“If you want to improve your chances of securing the best lawyer to take your case, you need to prepare before you meet them,” advises attorney Stephen Babcock. “Get your story, facts, and proof together well before your first meeting.” This not only ensures that you understand your own needs, but it helps a good lawyer to ascertain whether he or she can actually help you. “We want the best clients too. Proving you’re organized and reliable helps us.”

Do most cases settle outside the courtroom?

In choosing your attorney and your plan of action in resolving a dispute, it’s important to consider that despite what you see on television, most cases never see the inside of a courtroom. Typically, they’re settled outside the courtroom because of the time and expense involved, according to attorney Darren Heitner, author of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know.

Should a lawyer stay out of court?

In fact, a lawyer should try to stay out of court. “In my experience, a good lawyer always finds every opportunity to keep a case from being decided by a judge, and only relents on trying a case before the bench when all alternatives have been exhausted,” attorney, Jason Cruz says.

Do you need a lawyer to write a demand letter?

On reading a demand letter, the other person will often say, “this isn’t worth the trouble” and they quickly settle. But here’s a secret from Knight: You don’t need a lawyer to write a demand letter. You can do it yourself. Just make it look as formal as possible, and you may find your dispute goes away—no charge to you.

Should you talk to the prosecutor?

Perhaps, at the time of the arrest or citation, the officer even told you, “Don’ t worry, the prosecutor will give you a call. No big deal.”

What does the prosecutor say about a pink citation?

Say all you’ve got is a pink citation in your hand. The prosecutor says just pay a fine and it’s done. You don’t ever need to come back to Wyoming. That doesn’t sound too bad and you pay the fine. Now, that citation is likely a criminal citation.

What happens if you admit to something?

If you admit to something—even if it seems obvious—you may be giving the prosecutor the ammunition he needs to sink you. For example, say you admit that you were driving the car, but law enforcement never saw you in the vehicle. Now the prosecutor knows you were driving.

What does a go-between do?

A go-between helps you explore options. Sometimes, you want to talk about hypotheticals with the prosecutor. For example, you may want to say, what if X were true, would you do Y? If you ask that question, be prepared for the prosecutor to cross-examine you about X. It’s like you already admitted to X. If your attorney says, what if X were true, it’s a different situation. Settlement communications between attorneys are confidential and can’t be used against the client.

What factors influence negotiation with a prosecutor?

Negotiations with the prosecutor take into account factors you may not be aware of. For instance, court calendars, officer availability, judicial temperament all can influence negotiation. These are the kinds of things you learn through repeated interactions with law enforcement, prosecutors and the Court.

What are the ways that can go badly for you?

Here are five ways that can go badly for you. You give them information they don’t know. Most of us were brought up to cooperate with authority figures. In family, school, and the workplace, we’re told that if we’re truthful, cooperate, and own up to our mistakes, all will be forgiven.The law isn’t like that.

Can a prosecutor call you?

However, in most jurisdictions, the prosecutor will not call you and doesn ’t want to talk to you. All lawyers have legal ethics that govern talking to non-lawyers about their cases. If the prosecutor says the wrong thing, or even if the prosecutor says the right thing, but you hear the wrong thing (hey, it’s not like legal jargon is confusing), ...

What to do if your lawyer doesn't work?

Communicate. If your lawyer doesn't seem to be working on your case, talk to your lawyer and explain your concerns.

What to say if you don't want to quote the reason?

If u dont want to quote the reason just say that i have hired another lawyer who is more suitable for me . If he is a good lawyer he would not object and would say u good bye..

What to do if you don't have a contract?

If you don't have a contract you can simply give your lawyer a written notice that you no longer wish to use them . Make sure you keep a copy and have already hired another lawyer to handle your case. You don't need to be in the middle of a court case and not have a lawyer.

How to find out what has been done?

Get your file. If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

What to do if you have pending litigation?

Just tell them. If there is pending litigation, ask them to file the necessary documents to withdraw and indicate your willingness to sign a stipulation for that withdrawal (because otherwise they have to file a motion that requires a minimum amount of notice and they are your attorney of record until that motion is granted regardless of whether you want that to be the case).

What happens if you withdraw from an attorney?

The attorney's withdrawal will not relieve you of the obligation to pay fees and costs incurred, although that can look different in different types of cases or jurisdictions.

How to tell someone you don't want them to represent you anymore?

You call them up and tell them that you don't want them to represent you anymore. Or you can put it in an email. Expect to have to pay them for any work they've already done for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Business Name?

The process for trademarking a business name is relatively simple and inexpensive, and well worth its weight in gold in terms of warding off unlawful use by competitors.

What to ask a lawyer before a consultation?

When you have your lawyer consultation, one of your primary questions will be about the attorney’s background. Some people feel intimidated asking about this, but the truth is you are going to pay a lot of money for services. You wouldn’t hire an electrician who had never done wiring, so it is wise to ask questions about the attorney’s experience. You can find out basics on the firm’s web site before the appointment, which will save you time. You may want to ask how many of this type of case the attorney has handled. For example, how many divorces has this lawyer done in the past year? A lawyer who has done one or two is not very experienced. You may wish to ask how long the attorney has been practicing law and how long he or she has practiced in your county or area, which will give you an idea how familiar the lawyer is with local judges and procedures. It is generally not very helpful to ask where the attorney went to law school since you can find this information online and it often tells you nothing useful anyhow. Focus instead on experience with your type of case. You can also ask the average verdict the lawyer has obtained in your type of case.

How to get an attorney consultation?

Before you can have an attorney consultation, you need to find a lawyer who might be a good fit. Look for an attorney who focuses his or her practice on your type of legal question, or someone who lists this as a type of law they regularly practice. Your local bar association may have a referral program. If you have used an attorney in the past for something else, ask him or her for a referral. It is also helpful to ask family and friends for names.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...