It can be scary to hire an attorney.If you do your homework, you can find someone who you trust.As the case continues, you may lose confidence and wonder if you hired the best lawyer for the job.Maintaining an effective attorney-client relationship is dependent on communication and record-keeping.
Step 1: Talk to your lawyer about your expectations.
Before your case started, you need to clarify what you expect from him, even though you discussed things like communication policy.Some requests may not be reasonable.Understand how your case will work from the beginning.
Step 2: A case journal is needed.
A simple notebook can do this, it doesn't have to be fancy.You should keep a running diary of everything you do with your lawyer, as well as any questions or concerns you may have.If you have an issue with your lawyer, you need to be able to refer to facts, such as missed appointments, rude communication, or anything else that may be bothering you about your case.In a domestic case, keep a record of every time you speak with the other party, exchange children, and deal with property.
Step 3: Ask about important events.
Major court appearances and the filing of documents are important times in any case.When your case might occur are you to ask your attorney.A competent and engaged attorney can help you understand the process flow of your case and what to expect.A first appearance will typically take four to six weeks.If you are in federal court, it can take six months for the judge to rule on a motion.Ask your attorney how he will communicate changes in the schedule and what delays are common in a case like yours.
Step 4: You can check the public record.
The public record at the courthouse can show if your lawyer is telling the truth.You can see the documents filed by both sides if your attorney says he has filed a motion.The public file can be copied for a small fee.You can ask for an explanation if you have copies of the record.
Step 5: You should keep your contact information up to date.
If she can't find you, your lawyer cannot communicate with you.If you move, change phone numbers, or have your cell phone disconnected, contact her.If she calls, return the call as soon as possible.If it's an emergency, keep your calls to business hours.
Step 6: Establish a communication schedule.
The ethical rules in all states require your lawyer to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for communication.You have a right to have your attorney keep you posted about your case and answer your questions in a reasonable amount of time.Discuss a communication schedule with your attorney to make sure you agree on reasonable things.It could be periodic face-to-face meetings.It may be a once-a-month phone call, email, or status letter.It is reasonable to expect an answer within two business days if you call or write.There is a time sensitive question.It is reasonable to expect an answer before the court appearance if you have a court date in two days.If you make a habit of waiting until the last minute to ask questions, it's not reasonable to expect your attorney to talk to you.You will be charged for the discussions.Do you want to talk to your lawyer for information or reassurance?Discuss if the lawyer's clerk or paralegal can be your point of contact if you need more frequent communications.You will be more likely to find a staff member when you call if the hours are kept to a minimum.The staff member is bound by confidentiality and can answer questions.
Step 7: Write your requests and concerns in a letter.
If you think your lawyer is not telling the truth or doing a good job on your case, you should write a letter.If your lawyer is acting irresponsibly or unethically, these letters can help you prove your case.
Step 8: Don't ignore the warning signs and set a time limit.
Time limits should be put on your written requests if your requests are not being honored.Say in your letter that you expect to hear from him in five business days.If your lawyer doesn't give you a reasonable explanation for not meeting deadlines, then it may be time to replace him.You should be able to understand the legal issues if your lawyer can break them down.Ask questions.Write down your questions if you feel intimidated.If your lawyer makes you feel like she is avoiding your questions, that is a red flag.There is nothing your attorney can do to speed up the process of a court case.It is possible to clear up your doubts about the progress of your case with good communication.Your lawyer can't read your mind.What is normal for her may be upsetting to you.Speak up and ask questions.
Step 9: Determine if you still trust your lawyer.
This is a critical quality in the attorney-client relationship.You may be anxious if you lose trust in your lawyer.You can chat with your lawyer.In a face-to-face meeting, many issues can be worked out.If needed, adjust the communication schedule to clear up the misunderstanding.
Step 10: Remove the attorney's representation.
Write a letter to end the retainer agreement if you can't work out the problems with your lawyer.Your letter should include the reasons for ending the agreement, a request for the return of your file, and any impending deadlines.The attorney should immediately file a motion to withdraw from the court.Until the judge releases your first lawyer, your new lawyer can't appear on your behalf.Discuss it with your new lawyer if the fired attorney won't do it.The attorney can bill a reasonable hourly rate against a retainer if you paid a deposit.You will either get a refund or a bill.The attorney can bill you a reasonable hourly rate for the work done to date if you are on a contingency agreement.
Step 11: You can file a complaint.
Your reasons to fire your lawyer may not be ethical.If you believe your lawyer acted negligently, you should file a complaint with the state bar association.The process is state specific.You can ask the procedure on the website of the state bar association.You have to file the application by mail in some states.The basis of a bar complaint is not a dispute over fees.It is better to go to small claims court if you believe you have been overcharged.If you believe your attorney stole or mishandled funds, the exception is.Attach copies of your correspondence with your lawyer to show that you gave your attorney every opportunity to address your concerns.
Step 12: Evaluate your legal needs.
You need to think clearly about your situation when you have a legal problem.While many lawyers maintain a general practice and offer legal services for different problems, you want to talk to someone who has experience with your issue.A divorce requires a different set of skills.A criminal defense is different from a civil lawsuit.List the issues you have experience with.A divorce may include real estate law.A legal situation may require more than one attorney.
Step 13: Ask for someone to refer you.
Ask your family, friends, and co-workers for a referral if you are comfortable discussing your situation.Make sure their problem was similar to yours.Ask if they were comfortable with the level of communication and trust in the attorney-client relationship.
Step 14: Look for a professional referral.
Get a professional referral if you don't have anyone with personal experience to ask.The directory is maintained by the American Bar Association.The bar associations will match you with an attorney who practices in the area that you need.You can retain the one that makes you feel most comfortable after interviewing several attorneys.The state's lawyer discipline authority should have a link to the state bar association.If you want to retain a lawyer, you should check with this office to see if the lawyer has a current case or a history of attorney discipline.
Step 15: Potential attorneys should be interviewed.
Don't hire an attorney unless you can see them.You need to talk to him, verify his credentials, assure yourself that he has the experience that you need, and evaluate the intangible qualities of chemistry and trust.Ask about the cost of the consultation when you make an appointment.Depending on the area of practice, most attorneys will offer a half to full hour consultation for free or a fixed price of under $100.Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.You may be asked to fill out a general questionnaire by the lawyer.As soon as you sit down, you want to discuss your issue.Don't judge the attorney solely on his office.Some lawyers have small operations to save money.Clients pay for fancy law firms.Questions will vary depending on the issue, but in general ask about years in practice, experience with cases like yours, successful cases, support staff, and his policy on communication.
Step 16: Discuss the payment structure.
Depending on the case, your attorney will either work on a contingency fee or retainer.Your lawyer will take a percentage of the cash award in a contingency fee.You can pay a flat or hourly rate in a retainer agreement.It is against the rules of ethical conduct for a lawyer to take a case on a contingency fee.You should consider a different attorney if this is suggested to you.Don't give your documents to the lawyer until you agree on a scope of representation, fee and retainer agreement.