Shop around to make sure the attorney is the right fit for you. There are lots of attorneys out there, and you will hear good and bad about everyone. Making sure that you are happy with the person you pick is more important than anything else. Part of being happy is understanding how that attorney communicates with clients and the fee schedule. Ask about both during the initial consultation so that you understand exactly what you are getting. Also be aware that attorneys in our area have historically lower per hour rates than those in Seattle and Spokane. Many times a small town attorney gets you more bang for your buck.
Communication is key. As my clients know, I answer my own phone. Most attorneys have a screening process, that frankly would make it easier to get things done. However, I feel that direct communication with my clients leads to happier clients and better results. In my process there is no middle person to communicate to me what the client communicated to them.
In a lawsuit, the end game is always trial. At the beginning, most clients think they will win at trial and want to get there asap. As any risk adverse attorney will tell you, there are other options. Alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration, have hit all time highs with our crowded court system and costly attorney’s fees. I remind clients that mediation, with the right mediator, is really a free peak at what trial will bring. No, it really isn’t free, but it is less costly than a trial and you get to see what the other side is bringing to the table without being locked in to a result. With any dispute resolution, you should try and resolve the case. Mediation can be a great venue to resolve a matter.
Follow these steps to get ready for your first consultation with your lawyer.
The more prepared you are, the less time it will take for the lawyer to understand and help you resolve your legal issue. This could result in savings to you.
Reference
Contra Costa County Bar Association. (2013) Get Prepared for Your 30-Minute Consultation. Retrieved from http://www.cccba.org/community/find-a-lawyer/get-prepared.php
Make sure you are comfortable with your attorney and that they can explain the legal lingo to you if you do not understand it. Any attorney who cannot or will not take the time to answer your questions clearly and accurately is not to be trusted.
Your counsel can only prepare for any circumstance if he/she knows all of the facts. Normally, surprises are going to harm your case not help it. Your attorney is there to assist you, so divulge all information pertaining to the situation. Your attorney may ask you questions that you do not think are relevant or that you might think are personal, but remember, they are there to ensure that you have the best outcome.
If you find yourself in a sticky situation, whether you need legal counsel or just advice, the sooner you seek help the better off you will be. The longer you wait the longer the opposing counsel has to build a case against you or maybe just for some documents to get lost. Typically, your counsel will need time to review the case.
Estate planning is for everyone. While most people do not like to think about death, it is a reality and typically unplanned. It is a lot easier on everyone, especially if you have a spouse, children and/or any relatives, if you draw up your own will and testament. Contact me if you need some assistance.
Toni Meacham Attorney At Law 