Important Questions to Ask Any Attorney

What outcomes can I expect?

In your initial consultation, an attorney should help you manage your expectations. If someone promises you the world, you should be wary. If it’s too good to be true it probably is. Online reviews are a great way to determine whether an attorney is likely to meet your expectations but read them with a critical eye. Losing parties sometimes leave disgruntled reviews. When you see excellent reviews and only one or two negative reviews, that’s a good sign.

Does my case seem complex?

The complexity (and therefore expense) of litigation is highly variable and depends on several factors, some of which you might not be aware. Something the other attorney does or a choice that you make can make things more difficult than it should be. Ask your lawyer how you can help keep costs low. Timely return calls and return your homework on time — save money by helping them help you.

How long have you been a licensed attorney and practicing in your field?

I have nearly 20 years of experience. We all know somebody who’s been playing golf for 20 years and they’re terrible at it. Experience doesn’t always equal excellence. But experience does matter when it comes to lawyers. Like hiring a master plumber versus someone who’s new, you can bet that if you can plumb it, a master plumber has done it. An experienced lawyer is no different.

Who will be my contact point at the firm?

Before you hire a firm, find out who your primary contact will be. An attorney? A paralegal? Schedule an appointment with that person early in the process so that you can get to know one another and make sure you’ll work well together.

Do I need a lawyer? My issue seems pretty simple.

To be blunt, you don’t know what you don’t know. Frequently, people in a well-intentioned attempt to save money create a future legal problem that is costly to fix. For example, I recently had a case where the parties were trying to get divorced on their own and they agreed the wife would get the house. It cost her over $10,000 to fix problems created by not having a properly drafted divorce decree. Hiring a competent lawyer would have prevented that. Also, you want to make sure your outcome is legally enforceable. Imagine agreeing on a custody arrangement that is not enforceable by a judge. If a custody order isn’t enforceable, there is no punishment for violating it. An attorney can help you avoid that.

Should I retain an attorney even if I don’t have a current case?

Yes. Keeping an attorney on retainer can be surprisingly affordable and you have access to their time when you need it. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid costly litigation in the future. Or if court is likely, working with an attorney can help make sure your choices don’t hurt you in court.