Some of the questions that would be helpful to most individuals in selecting a lawyer include the following:
- Has the lawyer handled matters like this one before?
- Approximately how many matters like this has the lawyer handled previously?
- Does the lawyer specialize in the area of law in which the client is interested (e.g. Corporations, Contracts, Domestic, Criminal, etc.)?
- Will the client be charged for the first consultation?
- How much does the lawyer charge per hour?
- How many hours does the lawyer believe it would take to complete the task?
- Does the lawyer object to the client obtaining information about the subject matter before visiting with the lawyer? If so, for what reason?
- What is a contingent fee, and what percentages does the lawyer charge?
- Are there any government licensing fees or filing fees for this type of work?
- Are there any statutory guidelines for this type of work?
- Does the lawyer provide the client with a written contract or a letter confirming employment? If so, can the client see an example?
- Does the lawyer have any references?
- When did the lawyer graduate from law school?
- Has the lawyer ever been admonished or cited by an ethics committee? If so, for what reason?
- Has the lawyer ever had any complaints filed against him? If so, for what reason?
- Has the lawyer ever lost his license and, if so, for what reason?
- Does the lawyer object to the client asking these questions? If so, for what reason?
- Does the lawyer (recognized by his peers for his expertise) receive referrals from other lawyers relative to this particular area of law (Corporations, Contracts, Domestic, etc.)?
- Is the lawyer licensed in any other state or has he ever been?
- Has the lawyer ever received any honors; if so, identify and describe the honors.
- Has the lawyer ever published? If so, identify the publications and area of publication.
- Does the lawyer advertise? If so, why and where does he advertise?
- Has the lawyer worked with any other lawyers or firms to whom the client may be referred for evaluation of a lawyer?
- Does the lawyer refer work to other lawyers in other areas of the law where the lawyer is not an expert?
- Identify some of the seminars the lawyer has attended during the past several years and what have been the areas or topics of discussion?
If, after asking these questions, you are still uncertain about your choice of legal counsel, we suggest you contact your local Bar Association.
No comments:
Post a Comment