If you have some legal case against you then you will have to find a good lawyer. Most lawyers usually discuss the details of your case for free or for a low consultation fee. But they also allow you to ask some fundamental questions about them, before hiring them. One cannot decide about hiring a lawyer in general or to find a specialized attorney just by meeting them once or twice. By asking a few questions before hiring a lawyer you can be more confident about the fate of your case, regardless of its ultimate result.
Os, if you have some questions to ask the lawyer you have shortlisted then you should, first of all, list them all so that you may not forget them at the right time. Moreover, while asking questions to your lawyer you should feel comfortable even if the lawyer is very experienced and popular in his trade.
Some of the most important questions and reasons to ask then are provided here under for your consideration.
How long you have been practicing law?
By asking this question you may want to know about the experience and expertise. It also depends upon the level of your case. Sometimes it can be taken care of by a fresher lawyer and sometimes it cannot be handled without an experienced lawyer.
What type of cases you usually handle?
By asking this question you may want to know whether he has any experience in handling the cases like yours or not. It will also help in knowing about his interest in your case, whether he devotes enough time to the cases like yours. For instance, hiring a family law lawyer working on adoptions cases can be the right choice for you if you want him to handle your case of adoption. You can also ask about their track record of success in such cases.
What are your fees and other costs, and how to pay them?
It is one of the most important questions to be asked from a lawyer before hiring him/her. This question will allow you to know about the affordability of the lawyer for you. You can also ask about the mode of payment and how and when to make payments.
What is the expected outcome in your case?
Though lawyers normally assure success in every case, even if it is not feasible, still it is good to avail this opportunity to assess the positive points of your case. Though the honest answer of the lawyer may not satisfy you still you will be aware of the fact and be prepared for what will happen in the future.
Are there alternative solutions for your legal problem?
This question will allow you to know what else can be done to solve a legal problem like yours. It can be some arrangement out-of-court or arbitration which can be selected with the consent of the lawyer if the chances of winning the case in the court are very low. Normally, good lawyers do not keep their clients in dark. They usually tell their clients the right position of their case and the other feasible alternative ways to win the case without wasting time and money.
Ways to find the right lawyer
Though you can get various types of answers for your questions from different lawyers still you should keep in mind that even if a lawyer is very pessimistic about your case he cannot guarantee your success. The lawyer you want to hire should also be good in communication as it is necessary to know about the status of your case. You should also ask the lawyer when and how you will know about what is happening in your case as well as about the important dates in this regard.
However, by asking these questions you can have general information about the skills, knowledge, and suitability of a particular lawyer for you. But if you are not satisfied with the answers of the lawyers you have selected then you can check the directory of the local lawyers to find a professionally experienced lawyer for your case.