2006-09-28 12:31:20 · 7 answers · asked by osunumberonefan 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Will you help me the best you can? Is there a posibility i can win with you?
2006-09-29 13:58:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer:
What is your experience in this field?
Have you handled matters like mine?
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?
Approximately how long will it take to resolve?
Do you recommend mediation or arbitration?
What are your rates and how often will you bill me?
What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses?
How will you keep me informed of progress?
What kind of approach will you take to resolve the matter - aggressive and unyielding, or will you be more inclined to reach a reasonable settlement?
Who else in the office will be working on my case?
Can junior attorneys or paralegals in the office handle some of the substantive legal work at a lower rate?
2006-09-28 20:38:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd want to know how much they charge. And, the last time I had to hire an attorney, that's one of the things he volunteered to me over the phone as we had our first communication. It's very well worth knowing. I'd also want to know what experience he or she has with the type of issue you're bringing before him. God Bless you.
2006-09-28 19:41:43 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before we begin--"How much of your time is available to me FREE to explain my problem?"
(Say: "This is a Criminal/Domestic/Civil/ matter OR this relates to Motor Vehicles/Assault/Sexual crimes/Drugs etc etc).. Ask: "What kind of a lawyer are you...your qualifications? Can you help in the area I've mentioned?"
(If he says he can help in your specific problem area) Ask:
"Just so's we don't waste each other's time--If you decide to represent me, how much do you charge per hour?"
Ask: "When I've finished telling you my circumstances can you provide me with a ballpark figure?--I mean an estimate of the overall cost: I'm not rich and I can't get into a `by-the-hour cost that can go up and up.."
If you think you won't be able to afford him. Ask "Do you do any pro bono work? If you do, will you please tell me if I qualify?"
(After the initial interview) Have you ever handled a case like mine? What was the outcome?
What chance of success do you think I have?
(If the lawyer sounds good). Will you represent me?
(If the lawyer says `No') Say: "In 25 words or less--main reason--why not? LISTEN HARD.
(And) If you won't represent me--will you refer me to someone who might help me?
(If the lawyer says he will represent you say "Thank you--and offer him your hand. Ask: "What do you need from me? How best can I help? What kind of a down-payment do you need? Will you provide me with a written contract?"
Thank him for saying he will take your case.
2006-09-28 20:09:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Experience in terms of your needs, i.e. how long and how many cases of X type of law
Win/Loss ratio if it is going to involve a trial
Billing practices, i.e. does he/she use a clock phone so that you are billed for every minute on the phone. Do they have different rates for different situations, i.e. research, conferences, trial time
Attempt to determine their personal feelings towards your situation, i.e. how do they feel about people who...
2006-09-28 19:43:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would ask how much they charge
2006-09-28 19:38:50 · answer #6 · answered by jingles_200 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
DO YOU LIE?
2006-09-28 19:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by Tim B 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋