I know, I know...time is money. However shouldn't a qualified lawyer be able to give me some indication that my case has merit over the phone?
I spoke with the lawyer's secretary or legal assistant on the phone (can't remember which), but not to him directly. After reviewing the details of our conversation with him, she called back and ask if I would like to schedule a consultation....for $250/hr.
Now if the lawyer truly believed my case had any merit, souldn't he offer to consult with me for free?
Or am I just paraniod after hearing so many negative comments about lawyers and their integrity. Sorry in advance if my question offends any lawyers out there, that is truly not my intention.
2007-02-12 11:15:28 · 6 answers · asked by 452 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Usually, you can expect a lawyer to review the basic facts with you over the phone, by email etc. If he/she thinks you need to sit down and explain in more detail in order for them to help you and possibly represent you, they will ask you to meet and have a consultation. This visit typically takes 30 min to an hour and you do have to pay for it. If you case is complicated, requires a lengthy explanation, etc. it is not unjustified for them to ask you to come in for a consultation, however, it should be offered to you at a reduced rate or for a set fee (which is lower than their hourly rate). So, if a lawyer in your area typically charges $300 an hour to work on your case, you can expect a consulation charge to be $150-200. Good Luck! And I hope you don't need a lawyer afterall!
2007-02-12 11:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by Monique D 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work with lawyers and I have never heard of them charging a consultation fee. What type of case do you have? I would call several more lawyers and try to stick with some big named ones in your area and see what they say. There are too many lawyers to just ask one. good luck
2007-02-12 11:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by Brittanyskye 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not necessarily.
Many small-time or sole practitioner attorneys charge because they cannot afford to give up their time for free.
Some attorneys also charge on a sliding scale-if someone can afford a consult they get charged, if someone can't, they don't get charged.
It also can depend on what area of law they practice in. Most P.I. attorneys don't charge for consults- others, such as estate attorneys or family law attorneys, do.
2007-02-12 11:19:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2007-02-12 11:53:01 · answer #4 · answered by citronge69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your right, time is money and he/she has overhead just as any other business. You cannot give the receptionist the full story over the phone and he will have many more questions to ask you. Does your mechanic charge you a fee to tell you what is wrong with your car if you have it towed in? Of course, it's business.
2007-02-12 11:20:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
relies upon on the lawyer - some will do loose consultation. circulate for the duration of the telephone e book and verify if any of your community legal experts (be certain you seem up in basic terms this form of lawyer you prefer e.g.: kin, criminal etc) and verify to work out if any of them promote a loose consultation.
2016-09-29 00:53:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋