A lawyer is one of the most important decisions your business will make. Legal issues are so big and so complex that having good representation is the difference between a good outcome and a long fight. Ask questions about who is the best lawyer to contact when you’re interviewing for a firm. Here are seven things to ask if you need the right counsel to hire for you and when you are looking to match your needs.
1. What experience do you have with my type of case?
The law is a broad field, and skills in one area don’t necessarily transfer to another. A litigation attorney is not necessarily the expert you need for business structuring or sensitive family law negotiations. Enquire about their success with cases identical or similar to yours. You need someone who knows the law inside and out as it relates to your situation and has dealt with similar hurdles in the past.
2. Who will be my daily contact?
At many large law firms, the person you interview with is not the partner who does the day-to-day work. Associates and paralegals frequently do research and write documents. Ask who your main contact will be and who will be doing the bulk of the work. Also, you should be comfortable with the entire team involved in your case, not just the person who gave the sales pitch at the initial consultation.
3. What is your plan and anticipated time frame?
Most family lawyers can’t promise you a result, but a good lawyer should be able to present a strategy and a realistic game plan. Learn their style. Are they aggressive litigators, or are they people who like to get to the table and negotiate? Knowing their philosophy helps you to see if it is aligned with your goals. Ask them for a realistic estimate of how long it will take so you can set some expectations.
4. How do you communicate with your customers?
Miscommunication is a major source of frustration between clients and their attorneys. Let them know how often you want updates and how, like via email, phone calls or scheduled meetings. Are you going to get pinged for every little thing or for big accomplishments? Setting these expectations up front means you’ll never be left in the dark and you’ll feel supported throughout the legal process.
5. What are the details of your fee structure?
Legal billing can be murky if you don’t ask for clarity up front, so determine what other costs are involved, like administrative, research, filing, and travel, apart from the hourly rate. Find out if they offer alternative fee arrangements, such as fixed-fee services for specific tasks. An honest lawyer will give you a clear estimate that spells out exactly what you’re paying for and how they will account for their time.
6. What are the risks and challenges?
A good lawyer will tell you what you want to hear and will give you an honest assessment of the risks. Ask them what the worst-case scenario is and what challenges they foresee in the process. But if a lawyer promises you’ll win or downplays all the issues, that’s a red flag. Remember, you need a real-world lawyer to address the reality of your legal issue.
7. How much experience do you have in this jurisdiction?
Law is highly dependent on local rules, court practices and relations with local officials. If you have property or business compliance issues, a lawyer who understands the local scene is worth their weight in gold. Ask about their experience with the local courts and knowledge of local regulations. A lawyer who knows the ropes and has experience in your jurisdiction can cut through the procedure quickly.
Selecting the right legal counsel
Choosing the right and professional legal counsel should not just be a service provider but a partner in your success. Using these questions shows that you are an educated client and that you appreciate clear communication and strategic planning. Take your time to answer; trust your gut feeling, because from the minute you hire them, you should feel confident, respected, and well represented as well.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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