Hiring an attorney is like choosing many other providers of professional services. Many attorneys focus their practice on a variety of legal services, including family law, personal injury, real estate, employment law, consumer law, probate, etc. You should interview attorneys with skill sets that match your needs.
Once you have made the appointment for a consultation, there are some basic rules that you need to follow. First, remember that everything you say is confidential. In order to properly evaluate your case, it is vital that the attorney know all the bad facts as well as the good ones. This will help them plan the best course of action for you and enable them to more accurately estimate the cost of the representation. Next, you need to have a clear idea not only of what you want to achieve but also what you can live with. If you don’t have a specific goal in mind but just need to consult with a lawyer to explore your options given the facts of the case, it is still important to disclose all information relevant to your case.
Don’t be afraid to talk about costs. There are three basic types of fee arrangements. The most common arrangement is the hourly fee which will vary depending on the experience and competence of the lawyer. These agreements usually require a retainer which is placed in the lawyer’s trust account and earned as the work is done. You will receive a monthly statement showing what’s been done and what you were charged. If the case is not resolved early, you will likely need to replenish the retainer. Uncontested cases can be done for a flat fee which can often be paid in two installments of half the fee plus the court costs to file the case, with the remaining half due before the final hearing. Contingent fees where you are suing someone for money is sometimes the best arrangement since you will pay the attorney from the money recovered.
If you find yourself needing the services of an attorney, give us a call. We’ve been helping with legal needs for over 30 years.
Hammerle Finley Law Firm. Give us a call. We can help.
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The information contained in this article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
