If this is your first time hiring an attorney, most likely you are unsure of what to ask the attorney before hiring the attorney. The following is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire an attorney
The Lawyer’s Experience
- How long have you been practicing in this field or area of law?
- Have you ever handled matters like mine before?
- Do you have any special credentials in this practice area? Are you certified as a legal specialist in this practice area?
- I would like a reference from a former client.
Managing the Case
- What are the possible outcomes of my case?
- What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?
- Approximately how long will it take to resolve?
- How will you let me know about what’s happening in my case?
- What kind of approach will you take – aggressive and unyielding, or will you work to reach a reasonable settlement?
Legal Fees & Costs
- Do you have a written agreement for representation that I can read beforehand
- What are your rates and how often will you bill me?
- Do you charge by the hour, a flat fee for a particular service, or a contingent fee?
- If you charge an hourly fee, will I be billed for telephone calls and emails?
- Is an advance payment or a deposit required at the time that we agree that you will represent me? If so, will the money be held in a trust account? When will the money be paid to you for your services?
- If I terminate the representation before the matter is resolved, what will happen to any money that I advanced that has not been spent on legal services?
- Will I be charged for expenses or overhead and, if so, what expenses should I expect and how will you charge me for overhead?
- If you charge a contingent fee, what services does the percentage fee cover?
- What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses?
Who Will Do the Work?
- Who else in your office will work on my case?
- Can paralegals in the office handle some of legal work at a lower rate than what you charge
- What is the best way to communicate with you (letter, phone or email)?
- How will you inform me of developments in my case?
- If I call you (or email) for information, when can I expect a return phone call (or email)? Will you or a paralegal call me back?
If you would like to speak with attorneys Roger Laguna, , or Lawrence Rosen about the particulars of your case, we invite you to contact our firm and schedule a free initial consultation. We provide a free initial consultation. Contact our office by e-mail or call us at 717-233-5292 for an appointment.
