This article covers levels of representation, questions you should ask before meeting with an attorney, interviewing them, what to look for during the interview, and what to ask about services.
Topics on this page:
What level of representation is right for me?
What questions should I ask before meeting with a lawyer?
Why should I ask a lawyer?
What should I look for in the interview?
What to ask about services
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Lawyer
Resources for finding a lawyer
What level of representation is right for me?
Traditionally, when a person hires a lawyer, it is for full representation . This means that the lawyer does all the work on the case: advises the client, reviews and drafts documents, communicates with opposing counsel, and, if necessary, represents the client in court. While full representation is ideal, it is expensive and often excludes people from the legal market.
However, it is possible to hire a lawyer to help you with part of your case and handle the rest of the case yourself.
Is limited scope representation right for you? Consider the following:
I have a legal problem, but I can take care of most of the paperwork myself;
I have a simple legal problem, and it should be resolved quickly;
I just have a few questions and want to pay for legal advice only;
I want a lawyer to review the documents concerning my legal matter; and
I have to appear in court soon and I need a lawyer to represent me in court.
If any of these considerations apply to you, limited scope representation might be a good solution.
What questions should you ask before meeting a lawyer?
One way to start the process of hiring an attorney is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also contact your local bar association for a lawyer referral service . Most attorneys offer a free or reduced-cost consultation.
Consider asking a few questions before you schedule a consultation. The answers will help you decide which two or three attorneys you want to interview. Since this is just a preliminary phone conversation, ask questions that you can answer briefly. Here are some examples.
How long has the lawyer been practicing?
What percentage of the attorney’s cases are similar to your type of legal problems? (A lawyer who is more experienced in handling cases like yours should be more efficient and knowledgeable, which can save you money.)
Can the lawyer provide you with references, such as trustees at banks, other lawyers or clients?
What kind of fee does the lawyer need? Are the fees negotiable?
What kind of information should you bring with you to the first consultation?
Why should I ask a lawyer?
Whatever your reason for seeking an attorney, you will be sharing details of your life. You will be relying on this person’s expertise and advice. Since this person will be acting on your behalf, it is essential that you feel comfortable with your attorney. You need to be confident that your attorney will hear your concerns in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Don’t feel embarrassed about selecting only the best candidates. You may need to cancel appointments with some attorneys after you have completed all of your exploratory calls.
What should I look for in the interview?
Be prepared with a brief summary of your immediate case (including dates and facts) and a list of general questions for the attorney. The purpose of your interview/consultation is to decide:
whether the lawyer has the necessary experience;
whether the lawyer is available to take your case;
if you are comfortable with the pricing terms and,
Most importantly, are you comfortable working with the attorney?
Since this is a free or low-cost consultation, the meeting may not be long. Be concise and approach the interview in a professional manner. Take notes. Listen carefully to the attorney. Observe the office.
What should I bring to the interview?
a brief written summary of your case;
a list of questions for the lawyer;
cards or a small notebook;
a pen/pencil for taking notes; and
copies of any notices or other relevant documents received by you.
During the interview, what should I ask about their services?
In addition to any questions that remain unanswered from your phone calls, ask the following questions:
How long has this lawyer been working on cases like yours?
Based on your brief description of the issue, ask about the range of outcomes you can expect (rough estimate of duration, cost of legal services, and amount of compensation, if any). Ask whether the case is likely to settle or go to trial.
Many factors affect how a case is decided. Be wary of any ironclad promise that you will win.
Ask for an opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of a case like yours. This should be based on your lawyer’s experience in similar cases.
Ask who will work on your case.
Will this lawyer do all the research, case preparation, negotiations and legal work?
Or will partners or non-lawyers take care of some of this?