| Quick Tips for Hiring a Lawyer
Quick tips on selecting and working with a lawyer:
Pro se: Representing yourself is a legal right guaranteed by the Constitution,
but it is often a bad idea. People who are unfamiliar with the law can hurt themselves in
court. Plus, they may be too close to a situation to see it clearly.
Picking a lawyer: The selection should be based on experience, cost,
convenience and your ability to work effectively and comfortably with the attorney.
Legal fees: It is important to agree in advance on how the lawyer will set his
fee, but it may be impossible to determine the exact amount in advance.
Low-cost services: Many cities have public defenders for criminal cases.
Legal aid officers handle civil cases. Some private lawyers also do pro bono work? Offer
reduced rates for indigent clients.
Other avenues for help: Sometimes a lawyer can't help you. Many problems
aren't legal in nature. Other sources of help are the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer
Credit Counselling Service, consumer affairs offices and mediators.
12
Questions to Ask Your Lawyer?
Here
is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer:
1. What is your experience in this field?
2. Have you handled matters like mine?
3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
4. What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?
5. Approximately how long will it take to resolve?
6. Do you recommend mediation or arbitration?
7. What are your rates and how often will you bill me?
8. What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses?
9. How will you keep me informed of progress?
10.What kinds of approach
will you take to resolve the matter - aggressive and
unyielding, or will you be more inclined to reach a reasonable settlement?
11. Who else in the office will be working on my case?
12.Can
junior attorneys or paralegals in the office handle some of the administrative work at a lower rate?
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