How to Choose an Attorney

The first interview you have with a lawyer is very important: it is when you decide whether you feel comfortable about hiring this particular lawyer and the lawyer can decide whether to take your case.

You don't have to commit to this lawyer during the
first interview - and often no fee will be charged for this preliminary discussion of your problem.

But if you do decide to hire the lawyer, a well-planned first interview will speed things along and help the two of you build a relationship of trust and confidence.

Let us consider what you should take to your first interview, and then what information the lawyer should provide at that time.

First of all, you should take with you a list of questions you need answered. And don't hesitate to ask them.

Here are some general questions:
> Does the lawyer have experience with this type of problem?
> How long is the case likely to take?
> Is the lawyer available to start on your case?
> Will others in the office be working on your case?
> What is your legal situation? What are your legal options?
> Would negotiation or mediation be a good approach?
> What remedies are available? Can the law actually provide the solution you really want?
> What alternatives to a legal approach are available?
> What are the odds of success?
> What steps are involved in these matters?
> Are there any steps or tasks that you can do yourself?

During the first interview, the lawyer should inform you of:
> your legal options,
> your chances of success,
> the alternatives to legal action,
> the time and expense involved in a legal action
> the approximate cost of the legal services.

You should be given an estimate of the total fees or total number of hours or a contingency percentage (if contingency fees are permitted in your state). Will the lawyer need a retainer in advance and how much?

After that, how often will you be billed - monthly, quarterly or at the end? And most importantly, when will the lawyer let you know if he or she will take your case and when will they start to work for you?

You can move things along quickly in the interview by explaining your situation in writing - put it all down in a chronological or story format.

> Identify dates, actions and places.

> Name all the characters in your story:
give their names and addresses,
describe their relationships to you, and
their role in your legal problem.

Making advance preparations will save both you and your lawyer time and will save you money. And this will make it easier for the lawyer to give you accurate legal advice.

You can play a more active role in directing your legal affairs by being well prepared for
all meetings with your lawyer.

Gather the documents related to the problem:
> accident reports,
> ownership records, or
> birth certificates, for example.

Create materials that will help the lawyer to understand your story:
> draw maps or diagrams,
> take photographs,
> photocopy parts of a street map,
> make lists of expenses.

Just remember that if you don't think you'll be comfortable with the first lawyer you
interview, there is no crime in trying another lawyer. And you will be well-organized for it.