9 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer
If you want to find the right lawyer for your legal needs, it’s important to understand which questions to ask.
In this article, we’ll explore 9 questions to ask when hiring a lawyer so you can rest assured you’re working with the right lawyer for your needs.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer
When you’re fighting to protect your rights in criminal or civil court, having the right lawyer by your side can be the difference between success and failure.
Unfortunately, finding the right attorney isn’t always easy, especially when you have hundreds or thousands of options to choose from.
Here are some questions to ask when hiring a lawyer.
1. Where did you go to school?
It seems so simple, but it makes such a big impact on the quality of a lawyer: where they went to school. Someone who attended an elite university will naturally be better educated than someone who attends a more questionable program with a known history of abysmal grades.
Be especially suspicious of a lawyer who gives you the name of a facility that isn’t accredited or which you cannot confirm. If you can’t find it online, it isn’t recognized by the California Bar, or it no longer exists, it may not qualify someone to practice law in the state. While there are instances where this can occur legitimately (such as when a college closes for good), it can also be a red flag for a potential scam.
2. What kind of experience do you have?
School is where an attorney gains their first experience in court and interacting with the law. Once they graduate, they immediately begin experiencing what it’s like to practice law in the real world – and how much of that experience they have could spell success or failure for your case. Good attorneys should have at least a few years of experience handling clients, cases, and courtroom arguments.
3. How often do you handle cases like mine?
Just having experience practicing law isn’t always enough. If your case is unique or touches on a specific area of law, like business litigation or child custody, you want someone who can demonstrate their own experience in those specific areas of law.
Ask the attorney how often they handle similar cases. Was their last similar case a month ago, a year ago, or over a decade ago? Someone who hasn’t even touched on the area of law associated with your case for a long time may not be right for you.
4. Do you have an active license to practice law?
You shouldn’t assume that a lawyer is legally allowed to practice law even if they have an office and seem to have a good reputation. The California Bar can suspend licenses for everything from forgetting to pay yearly fees to criminal activity, fraud, accusations of sexual assault, or even just multiple complaints from past clients.
Suspensions aren’t always a result of improper conduct; even the best attorneys can forget to update a credit card when the yearly fee rolls around. Still, a lawyer without an active license cannot legally practice law – and that means they cannot help.
5. Do you work alone, or with a law firm?
Some lawyers prefer to “fly solo,” while others work backed by paralegals and other lawyers in a law firm. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each scenario: a law firm can often handle issues faster, while a solo lawyer may be more aptly suited to complex cases that require a high degree of expertise.
It’s up to you if you want to work with a solo lawyer or a law firm. In either case, it is still important to be aware of exactly who will work on your case.
6. How much do you charge per hour, per diem, or per case?
While the California Bar does set out suggested pricing for legal services, most lawyers have their own unique fee schedule for specifics. They may charge per service (often called “per diem), per hour, or per case. Asking this question ensures you won’t be surprised by a sudden fee somewhere down the road.
7. How much will my case cost?
It’s virtually impossible to give an exact and correct number for case costs during an initial consultation – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask, anyway. A good lawyer can glance over your information and give you a rough or vague estimate within just a few minutes. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
For a more exact fee projection, you can ask the attorney to provide you with an official quote. They will, however, need time to research and explore the details of your case before they can provide firm numbers.
Don’t forget to ask how, where, and when you’ll pay, too. Some lawyers request a lump sum, while others only get paid when you win. Still, others charge a small monthly retainer to serve as your lawyer on any issues that might arise.
8. How likely is my case to succeed?
While the idea of a lawyer telling you that you have no chance of success might seem rude and untoward, it is really just honest. Good lawyers won’t lie to you about your chances just to make a quick buck. They’ll glance over your details and give you a direct opinion on how things may unfold – for better or for worse.
9. Are you comfortable with alternative resolution measures?
Alternative resolution measures, such as mediation, dispute resolution, and binding arbitration, are useful alternatives to the courtroom. In fact, they can be every bit as effective as heading to court if applied by a skillful legal team. Great lawyers know this and will be more than happy to help you find the best option for your needs.
Be wary of any attorney who flat-out refuses to entertain the idea of alternative resolution measures. They may be pushing you toward court unnecessarily in order to make more money from your case.
Conclusion
Now that you know the important questions to ask when hiring a lawyer, you can move forward in the process with confidence. However, it is also important to work with someone who makes you feel heard, respected, and supported. If someone is rude to you, cuts you off in conversation, or flat-out refuses to hear your ideas and concerns, it’s a sign to move on to the next option.
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