Preparing For Your Legal Consultation
Questions to Consider When Hiring a Lawyer
The lawyer you choose can affect the amount of time and money you spend resolving your case. Be certain that you understand the lawyer, and the lawyer understands you. How much input you have about your case, future relationships with the opposing party and how your case is decided is determined by the communication between you and your lawyer.
Remember, you are hiring someone to work for you.
Preparing for the Initiail Consultation
The 30-minute consultation is your opportunity to learn about your legal situation. The lawyer will explain your legal problem and the legal process and will help you to better understand your rights and legal options. Make the most of your consultation by preparing in advance.
- ~ Summarize your legal situation in writing, including the names, phone numbers and addresses of all persons involved;
- ~ Make an outline of the events as they occurred;
- ~ Bring any paperwork that you think will help the attorney understand your case
Understanding Legal Fees & Costs
Cost is one of the most important factors to people who are looking for a lawyer. The Lawyer Referral & Information Service refers callers to private, regular-fee attorneys only. During your consultation, the lawyer will estimate the time and money required to resolve your legal problem.
If you decide to hire a lawyer, you should sign a retainer agreement authorizing the lawyer to work for you. Lawyer Referral Service lawyers are required to use a contract and/or a fee agreement. Your written agreement should specify how you will pay (hourly rate, contingency and flat fees, or retainers) and the cost of various legal services including research, drafting of documents, filing fees and court hearings.
Read your contract carefully and keep a copy.
Lawyer Fees
Flat FeesThe lawyer provides a specific service for a specified fee. This arrangement is most common in simple cases like the purchase of property or the preparation of a will. Many criminal lawyers also use flat fees.
Contingency Fees
The lawyer is paid only when money is collected for you. However, you will need to pay the filing fees, court costs, deposition fees and perhaps other charges. A contingency arrangement is possible only if you are seeking monetary damages.
Retainers and Hourly FeesThe lawyer often will ask for a retainer, or advance payment before working for you. The lawyer will then subtract their hourly fee from this retainer. More fees (payments) may be required for a complicated or lengthy case. The lawyer should provide itemized statements listing the services provided and the fees for those services.