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Choosing An Attorney
Many people find an attorney in much the same way the try to find a good auto mechanic. They start by asking friends and relatives about mechanics that they have used.
This can be a good resource so long as you ask more than how they liked the person. The mechanic may have been a wonderful conversationalist and a likeable person. Maybe he always had the latest Lawyer joke ready for your friends…but you should be more interested in how their auto turned out.
Whether you get a referral from a friend or try someone new, keep your opinions open to change. A friend may have had a good experience with attorney, but your case is different and you need to decide for yourself. Be sure to ask all the right questions and make doubly sure that you are getting the right answers.
Once you have a list of one or more lawyers and you have clearly defined and condensed your issue to a short note not another WAR AND PEACE… call their offices. Briefly explain your situation and ask:
1. If that lawyer has experience with your kind of problem
2. Will there be charges for an initial interview and, if so, how much?
3. If your problem is routine, (landlord tenant) does the attorney have a standard fee? What does it cover?
4. If your problem appears more complicated, ask about hourly fees.
5. Will the lawyer provide a written agreement describing fees and services provided for the fees?
Write down the information and compare the answers you receive. Then, call back for an appointment to interview the attorney or attorneys whose answers satisfied you the most. Most of these "initial consultations" are free or provided at a nominal cost. Go to the first interview with an open mind. You don't have to decide to employ the lawyer you are interviewing until you have had time to think about it.
HINTS: Be organized when you first meet with the lawyer. It is important to have with you a written summary or detailed notes outlining your problem; the names, addresses and phone numbers of all parties and witnesses and their lawyers and insurance companies if you know them; and all documents which may relate to your case such as receipts, contracts, medical bills, repair estimates, checks, etc.
Some lawyers may ask you to deliver photocopies of written materials in advance of your first interview so the lawyer can review them in advance.
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