what are good questions to ask an attorney

10 Things to Ask Your Attorney

1. How Long Have You Practiced Law? This question is designed to help you gauge the experience of the attorney. An...
2. Have You Represented Similar Cases to Mine? This question is even more valuable than the first. Beyond general...
3. Who Is Your Typical Client? This goes hand in hand with the second question, and it may help you narrow...

Full Answer

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Apr 09, 2015 · Ask follow-up questions, such as where and when any similar cases went to trial and their results, to ensure the attorney really knows the subject matter. Two: Do you practice in the courthouse where my case is (or will be)?

What to ask your lawyer?

Behavioral. Use these questions to determine how a candidate handled situations in the past. Soft skills. Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills. Top hard...

What are good questions to ask a divorce lawyer?

Oct 09, 2020 · 10 Things to Ask Your Attorney 1. How Long Have You Practiced Law? This question is designed to help you gauge the experience of the attorney. An... 2. Have You Represented Similar Cases to Mine? This question is even more valuable than the first. Beyond general... 3. Who Is Your Typical ...

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

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...•Jan 29, 2017

How do you prepare for an attorney meeting?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.Jan 15, 2010

How do you know you have a good lawyer?

You will know you have an excellent lawyer if they offer advice based on their specialization field knowledge and experience. After all, you are paying them for quality services. The lawyer should have expertise in the successful representation of clients in the past regarding the specific legal issue you're battling.Sep 9, 2020

How should I dress to see a lawyer?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt.Sep 4, 2019

What should a lawyer do in the first meeting with a client?

During the New Client Consultation, Every Lawyer Should…Be Clear about Any Consultation Fees. ... Introduce the Firm and Working Attorneys' Experience as Is Relevant to the Case. ... Be Attentive. ... Showcase Knowledge and Know-How. ... Engage with Specifics. ... Discuss the Process.More items...•Aug 13, 2019

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

How do you negotiate with a lawyer?

How to Negotiate With an AttorneyResearch First. Start by getting a basic understanding of the different ways that lawyers can charge you. ... Consider a Flat Fee. ... Consider an Hourly Fee. ... Consider a Contingency Fee. ... Ask for Fees in Writing. ... Cut the Extras. ... Look Outside Your Area. ... Explore Your Options and Find a Cheaper Attorney.More items...•Sep 16, 2021

What is a reliable lawyer?

Listening to your clients, listening to witnesses, listening to your opposing counsel, and listening to the court can be the difference between winning and losing a case. Great lawyers take in all relevant information, analyze it, and create a plan of action.Jun 17, 2019

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

For example, in a custody, divorce, criminal, or civil case, your lawyer might not be fighting properly. It might be a sign of incompetence or even a conflict of interest in your client attorney relationship. If you believe that my lawyer is not fighting for me, it may be due to the lawyer's style and mannerisms.Jul 24, 2020

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

What is an attorney who can answer this question well?

An attorney who can answer this question well is an attorney who is attuned not only to the legal challenges at hand, but also to the way clients think about them. They’ve also likely worked with clients like you. They’ll be able to provide context upfront that answers your questions before you find yourself confused by a complex legal issue or legal language.

How many bills has Jerry Brown signed?

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently completed acting on the 1,217 bills that came across his desk this year. He has signed 1,016 of them into law, with the majority taking effect...

Do attorneys quote hourly fees?

While most attorneys will quote you an hourly rate or a fixed fee upfront, it’s important that you understand what this quote does and does not cover. For instance, will you also be responsible for reimbursing the attorney for expenses, such as transportation?

Can an attorney give an estimate of how long each phase of a project will take?

Although unexpected challenges sometimes arise and cause deadlines to be pushed back, attorneys should be able to give an estimate of how long each phase of the project will take. Make sure that these estimates seem reasonable and fit with the timeline that you have in mind.

Is it difficult to get a complete picture of someone's personality?

No matter who you’re interviewing, it’s difficult to gain a complete picture of someone’s capabilities and personality over the course of an interview. This difficulty is compounded when you’re someone without a legal background who’s interviewing an attorney.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys are responsible for divulging any potential conflicts of interest, even if they are never directly asked a question about them. However, it’s usually not a bad idea to inquire about them yourself.

What are the duties of a criminal defense attorney?

Criminal Law – Handles issues pertaining to individual liberty and behaviors that may be considered illegal under U.S. criminal codes.#N#Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right.#N#Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. 1 Defense Attorney – Defend the accused of their crimes as is their constitutional right. 2 Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party.

What is the job of a prosecuting attorney?

Prosecuting Attorney – Prosecutes the case on behalf of the federal or state government, or a wronged party. Entertainment Law – Deals with issues largely related to Intellectual Property law, rights, royalties, and contracts. Environmental Law – Enforces regulations, statutes, treaties, or conventions according to state or federal laws.

How much does an estate lawyer charge per hour?

Depending on the lawyer and their firm, it could vary from a $100 per hour to $1000s per hour. Flat fee – These are an option for cases that are more predictable, such as the drawing up of an estate plan. If this is what they offer, make sure to ask whether or not there are services and expenses that aren’t covered.

What is statutory fee?

Statutory fee – Some forms of legal work have legally set fees involved. Once you’ve gone over payment, request an estimate of total cost. Although, in many cases, it’s impossible to give you an on-the-number appraisal, having a ballpark figure can help you determine if you can afford it and then budget accordingly. 6.

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

How to build an estate plan?

When building an estate plan, you may have a variety of concerns, including the following: 1 Maintaining an orderly administration of assets while you are living 2 Managing estate assets flexibly while you are living 3 Reviewing estates involving tenants in common or community property 4 Considering assets in multiple states 5 Examining small business assets 6 Naming your children’s legal guardian 7 Ensuring that your heirs and loved ones receive your assets 8 Helping to reduce or avoid conflicts and confusion 9 Minimizing legal expenses and taxes 10 Assessing wealth preservation

Why is it important to have an estate plan?

It's important to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that your loved ones receive your assets without a hassle or undue delay after your death. There are many questions you should ask prospective estate-planning attorneys before hiring one to craft your estate plan. Above all, make sure you hire an attorney who demonstrates ...

Can a lawyer draw up a will?

Although any lawyer can draw up a simple will for straightforward situations, such as naming the beneficiary of one's 401 (k), seasoned trust-and-estate lawyers can help navigate more complicated situations involving several trusts and multiple heirs. 1:21.