Finding an attorney may be a challenging task especially where there are many people as is the case in Lawrence, MA. The right questions can help in determining if the attorney in question will fit your needs or not. Here are five important questions to ask to help you get a competent, understanding attorney who will ensure that you do not walk alone in this legal journey.
What Experience Do You Have with Cases Like Mine?
Choosing the Right Expertise
While looking for an attorney, you will want to ensure that such a person has dealt with similar cases in the past. Probe on why their experience in such cases is relevant to yours and how successful they have been. A good attorney knows the ins and outs of the type of case he or she is trying to avoid any legal loopholes to avoid difficulties in drawing out that someone new in that particular field may not be able to appreciate.
How Will You Communicate with Me?
Establishing Clear Communication
It is important to maintain a certain level of communication when it comes to employing the services of any attorney. Ask how they will keep you updated during that period, including how often they will call, email, or meet with you if face-to-face meetings are scheduled.Some lawyers may have their assistants or paralegals do much of the correspondence, hence, it is important to also know who that person will be and how often you will talk to that person. Effective communication ensures that all parties involved stay informed and aware of every development in the case.
What Are the Costs and Billing Structure?
Understanding the Financials
Legal bills can be quite divergent concerning the challenge presented in a particular matter and the level of experience of the attorney.It’s important to know these details beforehand to prevent surprises once the work is done. You can ask if the legal strategist is paid a flat fee, hourly rate, or on a no-win, no-pay basis. Also, ask about other costs, such as court fees, and request an estimate to ensure affordability.
What Is Your Strategy for My Case?
Setting Realistic Expectations
Every case differs from the other, and so it is prudent to appreciate how the lawyer intends to handle yours. For that reason, inquire from them about their first reaction to the case, the strategy they will pursue, or any anticipated obstacles and the time frame involved. A competent lawyer will not shy away from making their views clear about what is doable and what is not. Being privy to their course of action, as well as the time estimates, assists in alleviating anxiety and even in preparing one for the outcome.
Who Will Work on My Case?
Getting to Know the Team
In most instances, larger law firms will gather a team of lawyers, paralegals, clerks, and other professionals to undertake various stages of a process.Ask if the attorney you are speaking with will handle all the work on your case or assign it to someone else. If yes, then it is good to meet them or at least know their credentials. This way, you know who will do the work and if they are qualified.
Conclusion
Knowing what to ask is the other most important consideration to retain a good and dependable attorney in Lawrence, MA. These questions assess your attorney’s skills, style of communication, charges, methods of work, and their respective teams. Keep in mind that you hired your attorney to act in your best interests, so ask as many questions as needed to feel confident in your decision.There are attorneys, who provide great support during a difficult phase, making it easier for you to delegate to them all that requires attention.
FAQs
Why is it important to ask about an attorney’s experience with cases like mine?
Selecting a lawyer who has experience with your case type will greatly enhance your chances of success. Lawyers with relevant experience know the trouble and issues that come up in such cases which assist them in developing an efficient plan.
How often should I expect updates from my attorney?
This particularly relies on the attorney’s policy on their communication, so it would be paramount to address this issue during the first meeting. Some attorneys give constant reports either weekly or bi-weekly. Others consider it good practice to only communicate when there is important news.Ask your lawyer politely about his communication plan to ensure you aren’t caught off guard.
What is the typical cost of hiring an attorney in Lawrence, MA?
Charges vary for legal services depending on the experience of the attorney the complexity of the case, and the billing structure. In some cases, the attorneys charge by the hour while in other cases the attorney works for a flat fee or on a contingency arrangement. Be sure to request how much the attorney will charge for his services and how maybe other expenses including court fees will cost during his free consultation to have no surprises in the future.
What if I don’t agree with my attorney’s strategy?
The parties mustn’t be back in terms of communication. If you cannot agree with the way your attorney is handling the case, you should raise that problem. A competent attorney will allow you to present your case and make compromises in the strategy when possible. At the same time, there is a need to have faith in their knowledge and skills as at times, they will offer a way of doing things that is the best in law but does not meet your expectations.
Can I change my attorney if I’m unhappy with their service?
Clients can terminate one attorney for another if they are unhappy with the current one, though this may vary based on the case’s intricacies and stage. In case you want to make the switch, consider the possible outcomes including extra costs and delays, and speak with your attorney to air out the differences.
