what kind of questions can i ask an appellate attorney

by Prof. Edward Hodkiewicz II 6 min read

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Appellate Lawyer: How Your Case Will Be Handled
  • Who will actually handle my case? ...
  • Ask for an honest opinion on the outcome of your case. ...
  • What strategies and tactics will you use? ...
  • How often will I hear from you? ...
  • Who will write the brief? ...
  • Is this more than just a job for you?
Jul 26, 2021

What questions should I Ask my Lawyer?

Jul 26, 2021 · Questions to Ask Criminal Appeal Lawyer: The Attorney’s Experience 5. Does your practice focus mainly or exclusively on criminal law? Many firms take cases for which they are not experts. Even if your particular attorney handles only criminal law or appeals, they won’t have the resources of an experienced team if it isn’t the firm’s main focus.

Should a lawyer be involved in all aspects of my case?

Jan 06, 2022 · An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question. No question, answer, or discussion of any kind facilitated on this site is confidential or legal advice. Questions answered are randomly selected based on general consumer interest and not all are addressed.

How do I find out if my lawyer is legally licensed?

9.140 (g) (1) [Criminal Appeals] Appellant’s Initial Brief must be served within 30 days of transmission of the record or designation of appointed counsel, whichever is later. 30 DAYS. 9.210 (f) [Civil and Criminal Appeals] Appellee’s Answer Brief must be served within 30 days of service of Initial Brief. 30 DAYS.

What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer?

Invest the time to speak with each. If you have lawyer friends, ask them for recommendations. If you know others who have been convicted of crimes and appealed, ask them as well. You can even do an Internet search under the name of your city and "appellate lawyer." Pretty soon you'll have a fair number of names of lawyers you can interview.

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What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) 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?
Jan 29, 2017

What are two questions one should ask of their attorney?

Ask the attorney what experience they have had in similar matters.
...
You should be aware of what all will be involved going into the representation.
  • What Communication Will You Have With Me? ...
  • What Will I Be Required To Do? ...
  • What Is This Going To Cost Me? ...
  • How Long Will It Take To Resolve The Matter?
Dec 18, 2019

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

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.
  • How long have you practiced law? ...
  • What type of cases do you generally handle? ...
  • Who is your typical client? ...
  • How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?
Apr 13, 2018

Is it okay to suggest questions to the attorney?

According to the rules of evidence, attorneys are not allowed to ask leading questions on direct examination. The idea is that it would be unfair to allow the attorney to testify by asking a friendly witness questions that suggest the answers.Oct 26, 2020

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a Lawyer
  • Have Your Documents Ready. ...
  • Research the Elements of Your Case. ...
  • Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ...
  • You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ...
  • Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ...
  • Don't Provide Too Much Information. ...
  • Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.
Feb 6, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.
  1. Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ...
  2. Be presentable and dress your best. ...
  3. Come prepared to ask questions. ...
  4. Be personable and show enthusiasm. ...
  5. Be genuine. ...
  6. Promptly send a thank-you note.
Oct 28, 2020

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

How to Talk to a Lawyer
  1. Be patient. When you talk to your lawyer, she hears your story for the first time. ...
  2. Be prepared. You will need to describe what has happened and what you are hoping your lawyer can do for you. ...
  3. Be honest. ...
  4. Be specific. ...
  5. Be concise. ...
  6. Ask questions.

What to say to hire a lawyer?

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Lawyer- Tips and Tricks to getting the, "Right Lawyer" for your case.
  • Ask yourself, "Am I Going to Be Comfortable Talking to This Person?" ...
  • Ask, "What is the plan and what is the backup plan for my type of case?" ...
  • Ask, "Who will be involved in my case and how do they work on cases?"
Mar 1, 2021

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

Signs of a Bad Lawyer
  1. Bad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ...
  2. Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ...
  3. Not Confident. ...
  4. Unprofessional. ...
  5. Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ...
  6. Disrespectful.
Aug 19, 2020

What are misleading questions?

What is Misleading Question? Or argumentative question means that a question (a) uses logic in such a way that it deliberately causes someone to reach an incorrect conclusion, and (b) makes an argument rather than asks a question.

What are some examples of leading questions?

A leading question suggests a particular answer that the questioner desires – most often a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. ∎ “Were you in Los Angeles last week?” ∎ You were in Los Angeles last week, weren't you? ∎ You didn't see the stop sign, did you?

What is hearsay evidence?

Hearsay is defined as an out-of-court statement, made in court, to prove the truth of the matter asserted. These out-of-court statements do not have to be spoken words, but they can also constitute documents or even body language.Feb 12, 2019

Why do you ask for a copy of an attorney's brief?

Asking for a copy of a brief will allow you to examine the attorney's work product on appeal. Don't be afraid to compare it to the work of other appellate attorneys. You will likely be able to determine within a few minutes of reading an attorney's legal brief whether he or she is a skilled appellate writer.

Who examines cases on appeal differently than a trial judge or jury?

It is three federal appellate judges and their judicial law clerks, who examine cases on appeal differently than a trial judge or jury. There is no better way to obtain insight into the federal appellate process than to serve as a federal appellate law clerk.

What is the most important part of an appeal?

Ultimately, the most important aspect of an appeal is the appellate brief.

Do all attorneys have experience in federal appeals court?

Many attorneys say they have experience on appeal, but not all attorneys have recent experience in federal appeals courts or have represented clients in your particular appeals court. Asking for a copy of a brief will allow you to examine the attorney's work product on appeal.

Can an attorney repeat a trial argument verbatim?

A federal appeal is not the time to repeat trial arguments verbatim.

How are appellate and trial different?

Appellate and trial proceedings are very different. There are different rules, audiences, skill sets, time lines, and, most importantly, different components. An appeal consists of at least one written brief and sometimes an oral argument before a three-judge panel, if the court so chooses.

Is it a time to repeat a trial?

A federal appeal is not the time to repeat trial arguments verbatim. It is a time (and an opportunity) to take a step back and examine the client's position with respect to every matter in the case to ensure that the client is advancing the best possible position on federal appeal.

How to choose an appellate lawyer?

To choose an appellate lawyer you need to understand the appellate process and then research appellate lawyers who practice in your jurisdiction. Speak with at least a few, asking the questions suggested below, and then settle on one in whom you have confidence and who can work within your budget.

What does it mean to have a criminal appeals lawyer?

If you need a criminal appeals lawyer it probably means you were convicted of something, either by your plea of guilty or after a trial. If you trust your present lawyer, a good place to start is to ask her for a recommendation. Better yet, ask her for three recommendations. Invest the time to speak with each.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

Can a conflict arise when interviewing a lawyer?

A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by a co-defendant in your case. Not all conflicts automatically disqualify potential counsel, but you must be fully aware of and understand the nature of the conflict before deciding whether to hire a lawyer in spite of it.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

Do attorneys have conflicts of interest?

Attorneys in every state have an ethical obligation to advise you of any conflict of interest. Still, you should ask the question. If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly ...

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

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.

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.

Do businesspeople have to resign themselves to pick the first attorney on their resume?

The good news is that businesspeople definitely don’t have to resign themselves to picking the first attorney whose resume crosses their desk.

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.

Can a lawyer tell you what you want to hear?

Some lawyers may only tell you what you want to hear. The right lawyer, however, will give you an honest look at how your case may conclude. No lawyer can give you an exact value of your case or promise that you will reach an out-of-court settlement, but s/he can offer possibilities based on his/her experience.

Can a lawyer give you an exact value of your case?

The right lawyer, however, will give you an honest look at how your case may conclude. No lawyer can give you an exact value of your case or promise that you will reach an out-of-court settlement, but s/he can offer possibilities based on his/her experience.

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