Need a Lawyer? The Right Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
When you or a beloved family member need a lawyer or are in search or legal services, it can seem a little scary. After all, you’ve just been through some sort of traumatic event or injury and may have been treated unfairly.Take heart, as the right attorney will spend time with you answering any questions you may have. Finding the right attorney for your individual case is easy when you finally have the right questions to ask your lawyer.
Two Types of Questions to Ask A Lawyer
Your client-attorney relationship is the cornerstone to getting your fair settlement and compensatory results. To find out if your attorney is the right fit for your individual case, how much experience they have, and what your attorney’s success rate is; here are 2 types of questions to ask:
- Lawyer Related/SpecificLearning more about your lawyer and their level of expertise is a critical component of your case’s success. Some initial background questions might include –Background and TrainingHow long have you been practicing law?What school is your law degree from?Which state bar associations are you admitted to?Are there specific jurisdictions you are permitted to appear in court in?
- Legal Role in Law Firm
- Are you a partner, associate, or founding member?How long have you been practicing in any specific legal area?What is your record of court cases you’ve won/lost?Do you have any special knowledge that applies to our case?
- Individual Case Related/SpecificOnce you’ve found the right lawyer for your case, it’s time to ask a few more probing questions which directly relate to your individual case. Some questions to learn more about your lawyer’s experience with your specific type of case may include –Success in Related CasesHave you ever handled a case similar to ours?What is the client success rate for this kind of case?What is the estimated amount of money damages we could be entitled to receive?How many cases like this has your law firm won and how many chose to settle?
- Projected Case Outcomes
- Are you familiar with all the arguments and defenses available for our case?How long do cases like this typically take to resolve our dispute?Do you offer any alternatives to litigation like mediation or alternative dispute resolution?Is there a way to save resources and time by ending the suit quickly with a motion to dismiss?
These are initial ideas for finding the right attorney for your specific situation. Obviously, you will want to share as much relevant information as you possibly can to determine the legal measures necessary to get you the justice you deserve.