what to ask your attorney

6 Important Questions to Ask Your Attorney

• 1. Do You Have Experience With This Type of Case? ...
• 2. Who Will Handle My Case? ...
• 3. How Long Will the Case Take to Resolve? ...
• 4. Will My Case Go to Trial? ...
• 5. What Are Your Fees? ...
• 6. What Are My Odds of Success?

Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Top behavioral questions to ask lawyers Tell me about the greatest triumph of your career thus far and how you made it happen. Why this matters This question helps you to understand both the...

What should I ask before hiring an attorney?

• medical malpractice
• car accidents
• animal bites
• slip and fall
• products liability
• defamation, and
• assault and battery

What to look for in a good lawyer?

• How many years have you been handling workers' compensation claims?
• How much of your practice is devoted to workers' comp?
• Can you represent me throughout the entire workers' comp process, including at administrative hearings and appeals, as well as in court if it gets to that stage?

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What are the professional requirements for becoming a lawyer?

What are the Professional Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer?

1. Bachelor's Degree. Anyone who wants to pursue a law degree must first complete a bachelor's degree program (or its equivalent).
2. Law School. The next step is to graduate from or complete at least three years at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, with slight variations from ...
3. State Bar Exam. ...
4. Character and Fitness Review. ...
5. Oath. ...

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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...

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 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 you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave 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.More items...•

How do you ask a question like a lawyer?

0:135:25How to ask questions like a lawyer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing isMoreThe first secret is that what we're doing we're not really asking questions what we're doing is making statements. That sound like questions and those are statements that the witness.

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 should I wear to my first meeting with 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. Nothing too revealing.

What is the first meeting with a lawyer called?

legal consultationA legal consultation is the initial meeting between a potential lawyer and client. These meetings allow the client to discuss their case with an attorney. Then, the attorney can give an overview of their recommended course of action.

What do lawyers do in a consultation?

During your consultation, the attorney will ask about the issues in your case and discuss the merits of the actions and the various ways you can proceed. There will then be a mutual selection process.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•

What is an attorney vs lawyer?

However, when practising law, lawyers can only provide legal assistance, advice, and counselling to their clients while an attorney can represent clients in court and initiate defendant prosecutions in addition to providing legal counsel and consultation.

What do I say when calling a lawyer?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou.MoreYou.

What is an attorney vs lawyer?

However, when practising law, lawyers can only provide legal assistance, advice, and counselling to their clients while an attorney can represent clients in court and initiate defendant prosecutions in addition to providing legal counsel and consultation.

What questions should I ask a barrister?

Interview Questions for Barristers:What methods do you use to conduct legal research? ... What information is required when presenting legal opinions? ... What techniques do you use to provide advocacy for a client in court? ... Can you tell me about a time when a case did not go the way you expected, and why?More items...

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so. You can be positive about important things which you would naturally remember.

What do lawyers do?

Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters. Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case. Conduct research and analysis of legal problems. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.

Why do people ask specific questions?

Most people who need a service ask specific questions to help them make a good decision, and this same approach should also be taken by someone who’s in need of legal services.

What happens in the last option of a trial?

In the last option, the lawyer will be awarded a portion of the money won in a successful trial.

What to consider when choosing an attorney?

Consider who your attorney has worked with most often. Are their clients typically corporations or individuals? These unique experiences could influence how they approach and handle your case.

Can you ask a lawyer how many cases similar to yours?

C) In relation to the previous sub-questions, it’s okay to ask the lawyer how many cases similar to yours they’ve won. Remember: this is a “job interview” for the attorney. It’s similar to an employer asking you how about previous successes that are relevant to the role for which you’re applying.

Is it beneficial to have a lawyer practice in the same courthouse?

It may be beneficial for your lawyer to have practiced in the same courthouse where your case will be . They will have had interacted with and experiences its judge and can, therefore, evaluate the expectations for your case.

3. Are you going to handle my case alone or with someone else?

You certainly cannot miss out to ask this very vital question. Most of the attorneys who have years of experience ended up assigning the work to paralegals. Therefore, always clarify this specific point!

4. Will I be interacting with You Directly or Someone Else?

As much as the earlier question matters, this is equally crucial to ask.

6. Do you have any Clients that can Stir up Differences?

This is one of the most common crucial parts to ask your attorney before hiring them.

7. What approach to communication do you prefer?

Having clear-cut and transparent communication is the key to any relationship. Hence, it is advisable to hire an attorney with whom your communication is attuned.

8. What Strategies do you prefer for my Case?

Once, you have undergone multiple lawyers then it is most likely that you have picked the lawyer to work with.

9. Do you work for specialized Law Firms or Associations?

Always hire an attorney who keeps up with the latest business and law trends.

10. Apart from the Law Degree, what sort of special training (or knowledge) do you have?

Different cases demand different qualities. Show your client that you’re more than a qualified professional to complete their cases successfully.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

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.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

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.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

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 represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

What should a lawyer outline?

Lawyers should outline the possible ways to handle a case and then explain why they have chosen a particular strategy, including the pros and cons.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Family Law?

It’s important to get a good idea of an attorney’s background and experience in family law. You may save a little money by hiring a newer attorney or someone just branching into family law. But they may not have enough knowledge to effectively advocate for your best outcome. There are many important personal and financial issues at stake in a divorce that may affect you for years in the future. It’s essential that you choose the best family law attorney that you can.

How Much Trial Experience Do You Have?

Even though most cases do not go to trial, finding a family law attorney with trial experience is important.

What Is the Best Way to Get in Touch with You, and How Quickly Will You Respond to Messages?

During your divorce case, you may have many questions. You want an attorney who will be responsive and put your mind at ease . There is nothing more frustrating than leaving multiple messages at an attorney’s office with no answer. Understanding your attorney’s practices can help alleviate uncertainty and frustration.

Will You Be Handling My Case Personally or Assigning It to Another Attorney?

Some firms will have you meet with one of the partners for your initial consultation and then assign your case out to an associate attorney. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as a junior attorney may charge less while still benefitting from the support of more experienced attorneys at the firm. But you should get all the facts before hiring the firm. Consider asking to meet the attorney you will be working with so you can get a feel for them as well.

Who Else Will Be Working on My Case?

Most law firms use paralegals and legal assistants to communicate with clients and prepare basic documents. This helps to keep your costs down and frees up your attorney to focus on the more complicated aspects of your case. It’s good to get to know the support staff that will be working on your case so that you can reach out to them with questions.

How Much Do You Expect My Case to Cost?

The costs of family cases can vary drastically. An attorney won’t be able to give you a hard number on how much your case will cost. However, after hearing the details of your situation, they may be able to give you a rough estimate.

What Outcome Do You Expect on Issues That Are Important to Me?

As with costs, an attorney won’t be able to tell you for certain what outcome to expect in your case. However, they can discuss the factors that will affect that outcome and their past experience in similar cases. A good attorney will give you realistic expectations while also fighting diligently for your best possible outcome.

Is your primary focus on estate planning?

Proceed with a candidate only if they answer "yes" to this question. An estate specialist will be current with all changes to legal statutes and have the necessary strategic know-how to carefully word your documents in the most effective way possible.

Do you actually execute the plan?

Some lawyers merely draw up estate-planning documents, while others also execute the associated trusts. It's generally more efficient to retain a lawyer in the latter category, who can ensure that the correct assets are transferred into the trust.

Do you conduct periodic reviews?

For a small fee, some estate-planning attorneys will semi-annually or annually review your affairs. This can be important, as adjustments to your plan may be necessary if you experience a life change or a change in your finances. New legislative amendments also could potentially change aspects of your estate planning.

What is your estate tax experience? How can I best manage estate taxes?

Case in point: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 raised the estate tax and generation-skipping tax exemptions until 2025. 1

How do you charge?

Many estate-planning attorneys charge flat fees, instead of billing by the hour. Some do both, where they charge a fixed rate for standard services like establishing a trust, then charge an hourly rate for special research tasks. In any case, it's wise to inquire about compensation models ahead of time to avoid surprises.

How do you feel about a revocable living trust?

Putting assets into a revocable living trust can avoid the costly and onerous probate process (filing a will with the court). But this may not be the best move for everyone, because revocable living trusts don't avoid inheritance, estate, or income taxes. 2 Unfortunately, some lawyers recommend these structures simply so they can charge more money.

How long will it take you to complete my estate-planning project?

Give yourself enough time to gain a broader, big-picture perspective on your estate plan and the logistical practicalities of implementing it.

3. Do I Need to Pay For My Legal Representation Upfront?

In general, personal injury lawyers don’t need an upfront payment. Instead, they will work for a percentage of your settlement amount instead. If you don’t win, then it might be the case that the lawyer doesn’t get paid at all.

4. How Long Have They Been In Personal Injury

You can get an idea of a person’s experience by knowing how long they’ve practiced. Make sure you ask how long the lawyer has worked on workers’ compensation cases. It’s quite possible they work in a different area that that experience won’t help you.

5. Have They Handled Similar Cases to Yours Before?

Each work comp lawsuit will be unique and you’ll never quite know what it can throw up. But there are similarities to look for where previous experience can benefit you. These are:

6. What Potential Challenges Do You Forsee With My Case?

As with anything, unexpected issues can arise and workers’ comp cases are no different. An experienced attorney might be able to spot any potential issues in your case in advance.

7. What Success Rate Do They Have?

The success rate a lawyer or firm has can hint at how good they do their jobs. Success rates refer to the percentage of cases they got paid for, against the total number they took on. The higher this number is the better it looks.

8. Can They Provide References?

Even after you check their success rate and how much experience they have, you want to see references. It’s always good to see that they can back these figures up with testimonials from happy past clients.

10. What Do I Need to Say to My Doctor?

You need to seek medical help to work out how serious your injuries are and their extent. If you’re asking your attorney what you need to say to a medical professional they should all tell you: the truth.

1. How Long Have You Been Practicing?

Experience matters. As does specialty. A law firm specializing in tax law might have recently branched out into estate planning, but that does not mean that it is the firm’s primary focus – it might be the focus of their newest hire, but they may be untested.

2. Who Executes the Estate Plan?

It is one thing to discuss estate planning with a seasoned professional. But in larger firms especially, a lot of the leg work may be passed down to younger, less experienced lawyers or legal aides.

3. What About Estate Tax Considerations?

While the federal estate tax exemption remains quite high since it was raised in 2017, that may change in the near future – and there are state estate taxes to worry about as well.

4. Should I Set Up a Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney documents are designed to serve you solely in life, rather than in death. But in the context of estate planning, their primary purpose is to serve you in incapacity.

5. What Would My Probate Process Look Like?

The probate process occurs after death, when a loved one or associate of yours petitions for probate with a copy of your death certificate. Probate officially begins in court and involves legitimizing your last will (or beginning probate intestate, i.e., without testament).

6. Will or Trust?

Taking the opportunity to learn more about estate planning can help you make better, more informed decisions surrounding your estate and its management, both before and after death.

Ask These Estate Planning Questions

Setting up a competent estate plan is a bit more complicated than crossing the Ts and dotting the Is on an online template, however.