At some point in life, you will be faced with a legal matter. Lawyers are there to help you with law-related issues. When looking for an attorney, you should feed them with information related to your situation and be prepared with questions to ask in return. Fortunately, most firms offer free consultations, and you can use this opportunity to ask these questions when searching for a potential lawyer to handle your case.
Here is a list of helpful questions to ask a Phoenix lawyer to help find the right one.
- How long have you practiced law?
It helps to know how long the lawyer has been in the field. The answer will reveal just how proficient the lawyer is in the legal profession. Consider hiring an attorney who has been along the court corridors for at least ten years with a maximum success story.
There is, however, an exception to this rule as there are very competent lawyers with little experience but rather driven, passionate for that case, and quite capable of winning your case. A rule of thumb here is to deal with someone who knows what they are doing.
- What is your payment method?
While most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you need to take note of pricing details from the beginning. Some lawyers charge hourly for their services while others ask for a retainer fee before the case commences. Other times, the attorney is paid from the settlement amount if your case goes to trial. If the lawyer fails to win the case, they get nothing.
Also, be sure to inquire how the firm provides its services, an estimate of the overall cost, and if you will cover the costs if you lose the case.
- What experience do you have with cases like this?
It’s crucial to know the lawyer’s track record. The answer will tell you about their experience and dedication in winning the cases presented to them. However, an attorney’s past results do not guarantee your case’s success, as every case is unique and requires a unique approach.
- How will you update me on the proceedings?
Communication is everything when working with a lawyer. The attorney should let you know how often they intend to communicate with you about your case. This way, you can determine if the period is satisfactory. Find out what mode of communication they intend to use if it will be texts, emails, or phone calls.
- Who is your typical client?
Although often overlooked, this is a very valid question. You will want to know if the law firm can handle a client like you or have a different clientele base. Are they business or individual? If you need individual representation, you will want an attorney who deals with individuals and not businesses.
- Describe your negotiation process
Negotiation skills are crucial to all lawyers. Ask the prospect attorney to describe his/her negotiation style to determine if the style sits well with you or your company. Also, the prospect should demonstrate confident negotiating skills and possess a strong and successful record of accomplishment.
- How will you represent me?
This question is intended to know how the lawyer would win your case. It describes what kind of attorney you want to handle your case. Some cases are quite straightforward, while others can be pretty challenging. You will want a lawyer suitable for your kind of case.
When searching for an attorney, you should look around and assess the proficiency of the prospect lawyer. After all, you need the best legal representation to maximize the chances of you winning the case.
