Slipway To Specialise As A Lawyer... Advice No. 6 From 82
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A good tip to keep in mind when hiring a lawyer is to be very wary of any lawyer who seems more interested in getting paid than winning your case. There are many unscrupulous lawyers out there who will try to get you to pay a contingency fee, or even get you to mortgage your house.
When you are hiring a lawyer, make sure that there is a discussion about the payment plan that you want to instill. Sometimes, you may not have all of the money upfront, so you will want to workout a monthly plan that suits you comfortably. Get this done ahead of time so you don't have to worry about it later.
All lawyers have malpractice insurance for times when they aren't completely following the law. The added benefit is that your lawyer does not want it to ever come to that, so he will work hard to treat your case in both a lawful and responsible manner. Always know that your lawyer is working hard to protect you.
Check out the lawyer's office very closely. Is it neat and well kept? Is the staff friendly and responsive? If the answer to either of these questions is no, you may not get the type of service that you are expecting. Also, note how the attorney speaks to his staff. Is he respectful? If not, he may not be respectful with you, Notary Services either.
Maintain a written record of all lawyer interactions you have. Be sure to include the date, time, and general minutes of the meeting. Especially take note of any bills paid, or other billing issues. This ensures that you avoid huge unexpected bills down the road.
Don't hire the first lawyer that you meet. You should meet with a number of lawyers to get an idea of how they operate. This is the only way that you will find one you are comfortable with. Don't ever settle for a lawyer that doesn't make you feel comfortable or Notary Services you'll regret it.
Avoid lawyers who actively seek your business. Consider it a red flag if a lawyer solicits you after an accident without you having expressed any interest. These "ambulance chasers" tend to have sketchy business ethics, notary services so it is best to steer clear of them. A good lawyer will have clients seeking their help, and doesn't need to resort to this type of behavior.
There is a great deal of legwork necessary in a legal case, both research and actually talking to witnesses, which will lead to the development of the presentation of your lawyer in court. That means any lawyer who tells you you'll win up front has no idea what they're talking about.
Take written notes anytime you are meeting with your lawyer. Yes, your lawyer is on your side, but you are still accountable for any items that are promised, expected, or forgotten. This is especially true in financial conversations. You'll want to have as much documentation as possible just in case there are any issues.
When choosing a lawyer, remember that you are choosing a lawyer. This may sound like common sense, but many try to choose their lawyer based on if they are friendly and warm. This is a mistake. A good lawyer doesn't need to have the same qualities that you'd want in a friend. You need a professional who will treat you professionally. Remember that this is nothing more or less than another business relationship.
Check for your lawyer's record to see the accomplishments that they have in their field and whether or not there are any issues in the past. The object is to get the best lawyer available in your budget, so do your research to find one that fits the bill. This choice can make a large difference in your life if you are facing a serious issue.
While you may believe that paying more leads to greater quality, it does not. You are paying for the time of the lawyer, and their skill level does not necessarily equate to their pay rate. In the end, it is the amount of time they spend on your case which inflates your bill, not their experience.
If you are going through a divorce, do not use the same lawyer that your estranged spouse is using. Many people use a familiar firm, but that is a big conflict of interest when it is the same one used by your ex. Look around and try to find someone comparable.
When hiring a lawyer, ask them who exactly will be dealing with your case. Many times it will not be the big name head of the firm, but instead someone below them who has a clearer schedule. If this doesn't appeal to you, choose another law firm for your needs.
Often, lawyers are specialized in a specific area of the law. If you need a lawyer, make sure you find one that can help you in the exact area that you need. Do not try to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you with your bankruptcy. Even if you are referred by a friend, if the lawyer is not specialized in the area of law you need, then keep looking.
Make a note of how long it takes a lawyer to schedule your first meeting. If it takes weeks to even see the lawyer for the first time, the lawyer may be too busy to give you proper service. You want a lawyer who puts you high on his list of priorities.
A good tip to remember if you're going to be working with a lawyer in a criminal case is to be completely honest. By law, anything that you say to your lawyer has to remain confidential. Telling the truth will also give your lawyer the best shot at winning your case.
