what to expect from an attorney

What should I expect from my lawyer when hiring a lawyer?

Jan 04, 2022 · What You Should Expect From Your Lawyer. Give you advice about your legal situation. Keep you informed about your case. Tell you what he or she thinks will happen in your case. Allow you to make the important decisions regarding your case. Give you an estimate about what your case should cost. ...

What should I expect from my attorney in a divorce case?

Skill: Your attorney should be skillful and comfortable in his or her area of practice. A contract attorney should be able to draft clear, unambiguous contract language. Although your trial attorney will likely not be as dramatic as we see on TV, …

What are the obligations of a lawyer to his clients?

What to Expect from Your Attorney. Act ethically and abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct and the California Business and Professions Code. Represent you zealously and use all lawful and ethical means to present or defend your case. Not reveal anything you tell them in confidence. There are ...

How to find the right lawyer for your case?

However, you should expect the attorney(s) meeting with you to present to you a retainer amount and a retainer agreement near the end of your initial consultation. The attorney may suggest you investigate certain facts about your situation and return to us with more information at another appointment, at which time the attorney will be better able to determine what the retainer …

What is expected of an attorney?

Perform their duties to the degree of a reasonably competent attorney. Represent their client's interests loyally. Work within the bounds of the law. Maintain separate bank accounts for client money.Jan 4, 2022

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...•Mar 17, 2021

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.Jun 28, 2018

What do lawyers want from their clients?

Most lawyers want to build a strong client relationship. ... Clients understand intellectually that they need your help to resolve their legal problem, but what they actually want is comfort, reassurance, and connection.Jun 14, 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

Do lawyers tell the truth all the time?

Lawyers must be honest, but they do not have to be truthful. A criminal defence lawyer, for example, in zealously defending a client, has no obligation to actively present the truth. Counsel may not deliberately mislead the court, but has no obligation to tell the defendant's whole story.

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

DutiesAdvise 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.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

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 ...

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

How do law firms win clients?

They have to put together fully costed proposals, sometimes deliver presentations and then the client picks. Sometimes the law firms sit through the presentations delivered by the other firms they're up against, and sometimes it's all done behind closed doors/ using documents only.Aug 28, 2020

How do lawyers communicate with their clients?

Lawyers are always communicating with their clients. Sometimes, lawyers communicate more with a tone of voice, a facial expression, a body position, or a lack of contact than with the accompanying words and phrases. Clients often feel angry or anxious after not hearing from their lawyer for a period of time.Oct 11, 2017

What do clients value in lawyers?

Affability– I want to work with people I like. Availability– I want to work with someone who wants to work with me & can do so. Affordability– I want you to offer good value. Ability– Since you work for a good firm, I assume you're a good lawyer, so sector expertise means more than legal know-how.Mar 16, 2021

How to hire a lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer also creates a few responsibilities for you as a client. As a client, your lawyer can expect you to the do the following: 1 Abide by the agreements that both of you sign 2 Gather all useful evidence and prepare any timelines that are requested 3 Keep your lawyer informed as to any new evidence that may come to light 4 Keep in mind that your lawyer may have other clients that need his or her time 5 Reply to requests from your attorney in a timely manner 6 Inform your lawyer, in advance, when you will not be able to attend certain hearings or other proceedings 7 Pay your bills on time 8 Not to lie to your attorney, and 9 Keep your relationship with your attorney as a business relationship.

What is the most common problem with lawyers?

Disputes regarding attorneys' fees are perhaps the most common problem that clients have with their lawyers. Fee disputes typically arise for many reasons, but the following are the most common:

What is lawyer communication?

Lawyer communication refers to the correspondence and communication between a client and his/her attorney. If you have a lawyer communication problem, you may be wondering if you have a bad attorney or if he or she is doing a poor job on your case. You should know that many states have laws regarding when and how a lawyer must communicate with clients.

What is competency in law?

In addition to lawyer communication problems, you may also have problems with the competency of your lawyer's work. Competency relates to the core knowledge and expertise of an attorney in handling a client's legal issue. You should remember that lawyers are not machines and they are just as capable of making a mistake as anyone else ...

What should an attorney know?

Knowledge: Your attorney should have a thorough knowledge of deadlines, procedure and general legal principals in the area of law in which he or she specializes. But, do not expect your attorney to know all aspects of the law on command. Even if your attorney is the foremost expert in the area of the law in which you hired him, ...

What is the skill of a lawyer?

Skill: Your attorney should be skillful and comfortable in his or her area of practice. A contract attorney should be able to draft clear, unambiguous contract language. Although your trial attorney will likely not be as dramatic as we see on TV, he or she should be comfortable in the courtroom.

How do attorneys communicate with clients?

Some attorneys prefer the majority of client communication by phone calls, in-office meetings or mail, while others prefer communicating mainly by email. There is no "best" method – only what you and your attorney agree works for both of you.

What are the rules of ethics for lawyers?

Communication: Rules of ethics governing lawyers require a lawyer to keep their clients reasonably informed about the proceedings. At a minimum, this includes when: - The case is filed; - Settlement demands or offers are made; - Key motions are filed and resolved, and. - The case is dismissed.

Can you remember what you discussed with an attorney?

It can be difficult to remember what you discussed with an attorney days or even weeks later when the situation arises again. We encourage all potential clients to take a few notes on important discussion topics during their consultation so they have something to jog their memory later. Additionally, there may be follow-up information or documents we need you to obtain before we can take the next step, and it is always helpful to have those type of instructions written down.

Can Melissa Graham Hurd and Associates prepare for an appointment?

The attorneys at Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC, can take time to prepare for your appointment if you complete any provided client information sheets and return them to the office well in advance of your appointment. Your time with one of the attorneys will be most productive if you fill the questionnaire out fully so we know what questions to ask you.

What is hourly billing?

Hourly fee billing is often used in contested divorce cases where there are disputes regarding the marital assets, spousal and child support, child custody, and parenting time. Hourly fee billing is also used with civil litigation and criminal matters where there will be multiple court appearances, research and writing and motion practice.

What is flat fee billing?

Some types of cases can involve a combination of all three billing methods. The flat fee method of billing is often applied in cases of uncontested divorce and in drafting of trust and estate documents such as wills , living wills, ...

What is contingency fee billing?

Personal injury lawyers often bill on a contingency fee basis. With contingency fee billing, the client pays little or no out-of-pocket costs. The attorney seeks an award of damages for the client. The attorney’s fee constitutes a pre-arranged percentage of that award. Contingency fee billing is prohibited in divorce matters.

What is overpriced legal fees?

Overpriced and inflated legal fees are one of the most common complaints by many legal clients. When you first hire an attorney, it’s imperative that you fully understand the breakdown of legal fees you could be faced with.

Do attorneys have to follow ethical laws?

Every single state has its own set of ethical laws which attorneys must follow very closely. This standard of ethics must be upheld by your attorney throughout every step of your case.