FINDING A COMPETENT ATTORNEY
|
- FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION: Call
several attorneys. Request a free 20-30 minute initial consultation in
order to present a brief overview of the legal problem and assess the
attorney’s qualifications.
- EXPERIENCE: Inquire
about the Attorney’s experience in general as well as with the
particular kind of problem you are facing. Experience isn’t everything,
but it is an important consideration. Make sure that you are
interviewing with the attorney in the firm that will actually work the
case.
- COSTS AND FEES:
Ask detailed questions about the Attorney’s costs and fees, including
fees charged for support staff and staff attorneys that might be called
upon to work on the case. Ask what the attorney charges as a minimum
for activity on the file.
- REFERENCES: Ask
for several client references and call the references to obtain their
opinions. Consider not only the outcome of the representation, but the
client’s assessment of the attorney’s general performance, billing, and
communication.
- ATTORNEY-CLIENT AGREEMENT: Insist
upon a written agreement. Thoroughly review the agreement before
signing. Ask detailed questions as to the meaning of terms you don’t
understand. Negotiate!
- RETAINER FEES: Avoid paying excessive retainer fees.
- BE ACTIVE AND INTERESTED:
Let the Attorney know at the outset that you intend to follow the
litigation closely. During the course of the litigation insist upon
receiving copies of all correspondence and legal documents prepared and
received by the attorney. Compare these documents with the monthly
billings. Ask for an explanation for charges that appear to be
excessive considering the work performed.
- INDEPENDENT REVIEW:
If at any time you are not satisfied with the course of the
representation, or the billings, ask your attorney if you can take the
file to another attorney for an independent review. Pay another
attorney for an honest opinion. IF YOU LOSE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR
ATTORNEY, DO YOURSELF AND THE ATTORNEY A FAVOR AND MAKE A CHANGE.
|
|
