Hiring a lawyer isn’t something that people typically do on a regular basis. They only seek out legal representation when they have a need. Because of this, it can feel daunting to find and select a lawyer. So how do you know which one is right for your situation and needs? These five questions will help you know what to ask a lawyer during the consultation.
1. What Is Your Experience?
Lawyers choose specific areas of the law to specialize in. You need to find a lawyer who specializes in the area of the law that matches your legal needs. For example, the lawyers at Principal Law Firm focus on real estate, business, and estate planning law.
Beyond a primary area of focus for the firm, some lawyers take their education further than law school. The Florida Bar offers a Board Certification program for several legal areas. Lawyers must meet additional requirements and testing to claim certification. While this certification isn’t a requirement, it can help you verify that the lawyer is intimately knowledgeable in their area of the law.
2. What Is Your Track Record?
A lawyer’s history cannot predict the outcome of your situation. However, it could be a red flag if the lawyer loses more often than they win. Therefore, ask. Ask the lawyer about their track record. Specifically, ask about the lawyer’s track record when representing clients with similar situations. This tells you about the lawyer’s experience that specifically relates to your situation.
3. Who Will Work on My Case?
Some lawyers work in a single-lawyer law firm. They do the majority of the work themselves or have a single paralegal to assist. In this situation, you will likely work in close conjunction with the lawyer as an active participant in your representation. Other lawyers work in a large law firm with several other lawyers and an entire support team. In this situation, there is more than one person working on your case. Ask the lawyer about who will work on your case. This lets you know what to expect.
This can also help you understand what level and method of communication to expect. If you prefer to communicate by phone, then you’ll want a law firm that primarily uses this form of communication. In contrast, if you prefer email, you will want to know that your emails won’t go unanswered.
4. What Are the Potential Outcomes?
No lawyer should promise you a particular outcome. A reputable lawyer will be straightforward with you about the possible favorable and unfavorable outcomes. This allows you to have realistic expectations about the possible outcomes of your situation.
5. What Are Your Fees?
The cost of a lawyer shouldn’t be your sole determining factor. The fees a lawyer charges do not indicate the quality of representation. Instead, aim to find the best quality lawyer for a price that you can afford. Do not allow yourself to go broke because of lawyer fees. Ask the lawyer if they can estimate what the total cost of represention might be. Keep in mind, that this is just an estimate, and unpredicted events can dramatically change the estimated cost of representation.
In addition to the fees, ask about the fee structure. Some lawyers charge a single flat rate fee. A second option is to charge an hourly fee. A third option is to charge a contingency fee. Certain fee structure makes sense for different types of representation. Your lawyer should be able to explain why they charge a particular method.
Know What to Ask a Laywer
With these five questions in mind, you can begin your search for a lawyer. Knowing what to ask a lawyer helps you understand what they can offer you. Once you find a suitable lawyer, you can schedule a consultation. This is your opportunity to ask these five questions and any others you need to be answered. If you feel comfortable, then you can move forward with retaining them as your legal representation.
Schedule your consultation with one of our skilled lawyers to discuss your legal needs.
