Choosing an Attorney Know What to Expect

If you are looking to hire an attorney, there must be something important happening in your life. That’s why choosing the right attorney is incredibly important. You must find someone competent, experienced in the area that you need help in, and with whom you can personally connect and build trust. 

The best way to start your search is to get referrals from friends, family, and professional acquaintances. Once you have a name and number, call to schedule a consultation. Initial consultations are often free. When you meet, the attorney will want to know all about your case. There are also several things you will want to know about the attorney before making a hiring decision. To know what to ask about in your initial consultation, you need to know what to expect from an attorney. You should be able to expect the following if you have found a good attorney:

• The attorney you hire to represent you should be experienced and knowledgeable in the area(s) of law relevant to your case. 
• No attorney can see the future, but they should be able to estimate, based on experience, potential time frames, possible awards, and the relative strength of your case. 
• Your attorney should clearly state their fee structure. Most charge an hourly, flat, or contingency fee. They should also be able to explain other costs that may come up during the process. 
• If an attorney takes your case, they should be willing to go to trial and have the experience needed to win. 
• A good attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case. Ask how they will do this for you. 
• You should know who exactly will be working on your case – the attorney you are meeting with or someone else at the firm. You should meet with whoever will be representing you. 
• Your attorney should be willing to pay personal attention to your case and respond to any phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner. 
• Any attorney who wishes to represent you should be willing to promise to respect your privacy and keep your information confidential. 
• Every attorney should be keeping up-to-date with changes in the law by actively continuing their education. 
• Your attorney isn’t the only one who will have responsibilities, you do too. Your attorney should be able to tell you what these responsibilities may be.