Also how can you find out enough about a lawyer to know if you want him/her to handle the case -- eg. experience in that kind of case, percent of cases won, list of cases you can look up to see how competent, etc.
I want to avoid wasting time and money interviewing lawyers who are not appropriate or not interested in the case.
2007-06-05 07:25:10 · 7 answers · asked by Pascha 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Speak to the attorney's paralegal. He or she can answer all of those questions. Their also not going to waste anyone's time. Their the key to everything!!!
2007-06-11 14:19:45 · answer #1 · answered by Elizabeth S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(1) You ask the receptionist when you call the lawyer. Most plaintiffs' personal injury attorneys who take cases on "contingency" fees (i.e. you don't pay fees unless you "win") will give you an initial consultation for free. Call the local bar association and ask for references -- they should know whether the attorney will give you a complimentary consultation.
(2) About attorneys.
(a) look on their website.
(b) ask for client referrals
(c) See if your state has a certification for different types of "specialists," and if it does (not all states do), then see if that attorney holds that specialty.
(d) Check the resource "Martindale-Hubble" -- it's a lawyer directory that will tell you about the firm. If an attorney is "AV rated" that means that he's held in high esteem by his peers
(e) Check the state bar's (or the Supreme Court... it depends upon the state) disciplinary website to see if the attorney has been disbarred or suspended
(e) "Percent of cases won" is a near impossibility, because 98% of cases settle... so "winning" may mean paying less than the Plaintiff initially demanded, or more than the Defendant initially offered. And any attorney who tells you he's never lost a case is either (i) lying or (ii) not taking hard cases.
Start with your state, county, or local bar association for a referral... they'll have a list of lawyers who have signed up to take referrals for particular types of cases. It doesn't depend on advertising and isn't putting any money in anyone's pocket. Then talk to your friends or colleagues who may have used a lawyer in the past. Then do your research.
Good luck! And if your claim is a little old, GET TO AN ATTORNEY FAST. Some states have very short periods between an act (like a breach of contract or an accident) and the time you have to file suit.
2007-06-05 07:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just pick a random law firm and call and ask them these questions. They will tell you where to find the information. You could probably call your State Bar Association as well. Just ask the law office about consultation fee upfront when you call to make an appointment, if they do, Thank them for their time and move on. It is not personal it is business. They will be working for you. So you have a right to ask those questions. If you get a lawyer who talks at you and not with you you need to move on there as well.
2007-06-05 07:37:43 · answer #3 · answered by TBECK 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here are 3 websites. Search for an attorney local to you, most of them have a website with their bio, it you are interested you can email or call them with your issue, and if they feel that you have a case then they will make an appointment for you to come into their office and discuss the case further.
Most attorneys nowadays give a free initial consultation.
Good Luck............
2007-06-05 07:47:03 · answer #4 · answered by Lissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better yet do a search for free consultation lawyers in your state on targetlaw.com.
Really good lawyer search engine.
2007-06-09 15:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-05 00:34:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ASK THIS LAWYER FOR HIS RECORD
OR GO TO THE BETTER BOAR OF BUSINESS
AND IS UP TO THE LAWYER TO TAKE YOUR CASE PROBONO
2007-06-10 20:11:24 · answer #7 · answered by paco2164 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋