In this article, you will find out the ins and outs of hiring an attorney.  Whether this is your first encounter with the legal system or you are an old pro when it comes to the courts, our quick and easy guide to hiring an attorney will help you make the right decision for your situation.

Before hiring an attorney, you have to talk with the attorney.  Before an attorney will talk with you, he/she will run a conflict check.  If he/she has ever represented another party in your case, or even talked to another party about your case the odds are, the attorney will have a conflict and will not be able to represent you.  In rare instances, the other party may be asked to sign a waiver allowing the attorney to work for you, but this is not recommended.  Bottom line:  don’t hire an attorney with a conflict.

Cost of Consultation . . . To Pay or Not to Pay?

Some of the best attorneys offer a free consultation and some do not; some of the worst attorneys offer a free consultation and some do not.  Whether or not you have to pay for your consultation should never be a factor in your decision regarding hiring an attorney.  It doesn’t matter.  That’s right, it doesn’t matter.

Confidentiality is not a concern when hiring an attorney.  An attorney (and his/her staff) is required to keep your information confidential.  Period.

When hiring an attorney, you will most often meet in person, simply because a telephone call is not enough.

Some attorneys will provide you with a questionnaire to complete prior to your appointment.  If so, fill it in as completely as possible and bring it with you.  You will also want to bring any legal documents (if you have been served with papers of any kind, bring the document and the service paperwork; likewise, if you have a contractual or pre-nuptial agreement with the other party, bring it with you).

Bring a list of questions you would like the attorney to answer and bring a rough outline of your case, including a timeline of events and pertinent facts so that you do not leave the office and then later think of all of the questions you should have asked and all of the information you should have provided.

Each attorney is different and each office will have different procedures.

Typically you will be greeted and ushered into the area where you will meet with the attorney.  Often a paralegal or other team member will talk with you a bit first to help determine if this is the right attorney for you.

What will the meeting be like?Again, every attorney is different.  In our office, we expect our attorneys to ask the tough questions so that we have a clear picture of the situation and can provide you with realistic advice.  The attorney will be evaluating you and your case, so be prepared to answer questions honestly if you want an honest evaluation of your options.

If you like what you see and hear at your meeting, and if you and the attorney believe you will be a good team, you will be presented with a contract and payment information.  Be sure that you review your expectations and those of your new attorney at the very beginning of the attorney client relationship so that there are no misunderstandings down the road.

At the Bob Leonard Law Group, PLLC , we know you deserve the very best in legal representation.  If you are hiring an attorney , our team stands ready to assist you.  Call today for your appointment:  817-336-8500. Contact us online. Email us info@bobleonardlawgroup.com

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Hiring an attorney is a critical part of your legal matter.  Now that you have taken that step, join us next time for tips on how to work with your attorney effectively.