Whether you are just setting up your business or run a multinational corporation, there are hurdles that will come across every day. One of them is to tackle legal challenges.
However, depending upon the problem there are various lawyers. For instance, it can be a commercial litigation lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, corporate lawyer, or insurance claim lawyer.
For people with no legal background like directors and CEO’s, it can be a tedious and time-consuming task of finding the correct attorney.
However, there are a specific set of questions that implements to all the lawyers before hiring. So, we have curated an entire blog for you that comprises of twelve potential questions that you must ask your attorney.
Curious to know? Let’s check out the blog!
1. How long have you been practicing Law?
By asking this question, it can reveal more about the lawyer.
Remember, it takes years in becoming an expert legal attorney. We highly recommend you to ensure that the attorney has a minimum 7-10 years of experience.
If you come across the lawyer who has 20-30 years of experience then it’s great.
Though, you will also be coming across lawyers who have the experience of 5 years or less. But, these young attorneys will have lack of trial experience. Due to which it’s advisable to go for the one who has vast knowledge and experience.
2. What kind of Projects & Cases you’ve handled?
As we mentioned earlier that experience matters largely while working in the law field.
However, along with with the experience, the projects, and the cases they have worked upon equally matters.
Don’t go for the one-word questions. Ask in-depth questions like:
- What was the last case about?
- What was the result of that case?
- Which industry does your client belong?
- In which industry have you lost most of the cases?
3. Are you going to handle my case alone or with someone else?
You certainly cannot miss out to ask this very vital question. Most of the attorneys who have years of experience ended up assigning the work to paralegals. Therefore, always clarify this specific point!
What usually happens is that you have to explain the details of your case to your lawyer and then re-explain it to the paralegals. This consumes your time as well as the money. Hence, ask your attorney who will be working on which tasks accordingly.
4. Will I be interacting with You Directly or Someone Else?
As much as the earlier question matters, this is equally crucial to ask.
The little unknown truth that not all of us are aware of is that once you met the senior lawyer and assigned the case, the personal assistants, clerks, and paralegals are the ones who answer at your follow-up.
The inexperienced paralegals work on it and thereon attend your trials. And guess what? You will not find the senior lawyer appearing in the court. So be transparent and ask this question.
5. What’s the Hardest challenge you’ve faced with your Clients & how did you crack it?
It may sound familiar. Nevertheless, with this question, you can know how the lawyer handles the question. You can come to know how the attorney is dealing with the questions and about his or her problem-solving technique.
With the above question, you can also learn more about the creativity of the attorney in resolving the problem.
6. Do you have any Clients that can Stir up Differences?
This is one of the most common crucial parts to ask your attorney before hiring them.
It is imperative to know for whom does your lawyer is working with. It might be possible that the lawyer is working with competitors or the previous business partners, or anyone who could possibly be the reason for conflict.
During such times, it might become uncomfortable in sharing confidential information to the attorney.
7. What approach of communication do you prefer?
Having a clear-cut and transparent communication is the key to any relationship. Hence, it is advisable to hire an attorney with whom your communication is attuned.
For instance, your attorney prefers to discuss over emails and does not answer the phone often. Whereas you constantly rely upon the phone calls, then you might want to reflect upon the decision of hiring the lawyer.
It will result in miscommunication and interruption of the details. So make sure that you and your attorney find the best way to communicate in the best possible manner.
8. What Strategies do you prefer for my Case?
Once, you have undergone through multiple lawyers then it is most likely that you have picked the lawyer to work with.
After sharing the information, ask the lawyer what type of strategies does he or she prefers.
Depending upon your situation, they will give you an honest answer that resolves the problem. If they are unable to answer then MOVE ON!
9. Do you work for specialized Law Firms or Association?
Always hire an attorney who keeps up with the latest business and law trends.
Be certain to ask whether they work in specialized law firms or perhaps associations. You always want the best lawyer who keeps themselves updated concerning about current scenario.
10. Apart from the Law Degree, what sort of special training (or knowledge) do you have?
Different cases demand different qualities. Show your client that you’re more than a qualified professional to complete their cases successfully.
Numerous training or seminars usually help. For example, patent cases call for efficient representation and also specialized training.
11. How much your Services will Cost me?
Most of the attorney quotes you with the hourly rate or may be fixed costs. Some of the lawyers like personal injury lawyer or insurance claim lawyer ask for the fee once you have received the compensation.
Ask what will cover under the costing. Is your transport separately included? JUST BE CLEAR!
In addition, mention that you do a limited budget.
12. Do you give any Referrals to Other Attorneys?
What if the attorney is unable to solve your case or perhaps lack of experience in your case?
Due to the fear of losing the attorney might not recommend the other attorneys. So, ask if he or she gives referrals to colleagues or not.
Remember, the answers to your questions will vary a lot. But the above-mentioned questions will give you specific knowledge related to the lawyer.
James is the Founder & CEO of GurusWay.com. Majoring in Business and other life-changing sectors, James covers helpful content and shares his experience with the targeted audience.