Does it ever seem like your search for the perfect lawyer will never end? As of 2018, there are nearly 1.5 million attorneys in the United States currently practicing law, so that’s quite understandable.
While we can’t eliminate all the stress of finding the perfect lawyer for your case, we can provide some crucial questions to ask an attorney.
With these questions in your pocket, you’ll come away from your consultation knowing whether a lawyer is a good fit for your case or whether you need to continue the search.
Let’s get started!
1. Have You Handled Similar Cases in the Past?
No two cases are the same. But that doesn’t mean your future attorney hasn’t handled cases similar to yours in the past.
Having prior experience with a case like yours gives you a huge advantage. Your lawyer will need less time and fewer resources to construct an argument, they’ll know what evidence to collect, and generally speaking, your case will move a lot faster.
2. What Is Your Firm’s Payment Policy?
Unless you’re a massive corporation, you’re not going to have the budget for legal fees sitting around and burning a hole in your proverbial pocket.
Understanding your attorney’s payment structure gives you a better sense of:
- What you’ll pay
- When you’ll pay
- Which services may require additional payment
Generally, attorneys follow one of three payment structures: a fixed hourly rate, a contingency rate, or a flat fee.
A contingency rate means that how much you pay is conditional on the outcome of your case. In these cases, payment is due after the ruling, so you’ll have a bit more breathing room.
3. What Separates You From Other Attorneys?
If a lawyer can’t come up with a good argument to sell you on their services, their skills might not be much better when it comes time to head to court.
Moreover, most attorneys network. Therefore, they’ll know their competition and should be able to point out problem areas in their strategies that could cost you your case.
4. Could I Please See Some References?
If you walk into an attorney’s office and see rows of awards and info on past victories, you’re likely in good hands. An attorney should be proud of their work, and that should be evidenced in the outcome of the case.
In some cases, you won’t even have to ask this question. An experienced firm should have this information directly on their website homepage.
5. How Can You Counter the Potential Arguments Against My Case?
Great lawyers know how to think about a case from all angles — even the ones that could prove detrimental to your case.
An attorney who can predict the sorts of debates you’ll encounter in court knows the mechanics of your case. As such, you can feel confident that they’ll handle your case well.
Questions to Ask an Attorney: Find a Great Lawyer Every Time
Your time matters. Knowing the right questions to ask an attorney can help you maximize your consultation time, so keep these tips in mind.
Remember, you’re looking for someone who can think about a case from all angles, someone who values your time, and someone who has experience with similar cases.
For more great money and time-saving tips, be sure to check back with our blog!
