| When You Need a Lawyer, How Do You Choose | | | | Also, the lawyer may be able to act more quickly if |
| One? | | | | there's something you can do to help speed up the |
| Choosing a lawyer is often a daunting and | | | | process, so ask that question too. |
| overwhelming task. One person says, "I'm being sued | | | | Since you are not likely to know what the law is, ask |
| for defaulting on an auto loan. I want to fight it, but I | | | | the lawyer to explain the law as it relates to your case |
| don't know where to start". Someone says to him, "try | | | | and the effect which existing laws may have on your |
| a consumer protection lawyer". Another says, try a | | | | case. To avoid confusion and problems with |
| litigation lawyer". Well, that recommendation could be | | | | communication, it's very important that both the client |
| qualified a little more by saying, "you need a litigation | | | | and lawyer fully understand each other with regard to |
| lawyer - someone who's used to court work. If your | | | | the results expected. |
| case is in small claims court (depending on where you | | | | Asking pertinent questions plays a big part in |
| are located) you may be able to find some good | | | | determining whether or not the cost and the time |
| paralegals who are cheaper to retain". | | | | involved in pursuing the matter are worth the expected |
| How do you figure out what to do? How do you | | | | result. The lawyer and client should agree on what |
| know? In regards to choosing a lawyer, | | | | expectations that each have, such as settlement, |
| recommendations are only good if the person who is | | | | mediation or trial, and how the lawyer will try to obtain |
| making the recommendation has actually seen the | | | | those expectations. The client also has a right to |
| lawyer in action. anyone can talk big, but you want | | | | expect a status report of the case. |
| someone who will produce results for you. | | | | Your Lawyer Choice is a Matter of Trust and a |
| Ask Pertinent Questions Before Retaining a Lawyer | | | | Professional Relationship |
| You need to know the length of time expected to | | | | You should steer clear of lawyers who try to get too |
| solve your legal problem, so ask the lawyer how long it | | | | close to you as all legal relationships should remain on |
| has taken him/her to bring cases similar to your to a | | | | a professional relationship at all times. In addition, the |
| conclusion in the past. | | | | price that lawyers charge makes it advisable to set up |
| Another good question to ask is if your case has | | | | a pay-as-you-go agreement, such as on a monthly or |
| more complex issues than the lawyer's previous | | | | quarterly basis. This way when it comes time to pay, |
| cases similar to yours in the past and whether the time | | | | you can ask yourself if you are receiving the best deal |
| to bring the case to conclusion would be affected. | | | | for your money, and if not, you can change gears |
| Its also important to know if there are any legal time | | | | when you need to. Since all the fees are coming out |
| limitations that will affect the length of time you have to | | | | of your pocket its very important to deal with your |
| bring an action. If there is no way to predict how long | | | | lawyer in a businesslike fashion at all times until you are |
| this matter might take, what are the reasons for that? | | | | satisfied with the services. |