5 Questions to Ask a Potential Lawyer Before Hiring Them

Whether you have been involved in a car accident, arrested for or charged with a crime, injured through no fault of your own or have a medical malpractice claim, you will need the services of a good lawyer. Very few people represent themselves and win; unless you are a qualified lawyer yourself, it can be difficult for the jury to take defendants or claimants who represent themselves in court seriously. But, how do you go about choosing the right lawyer? Whilst recommendations from family and friends can often work out well, it’s important to find a lawyer who’s the right fit for you. We’ve listed some of the best questions to ask any potential lawyers before deciding.

1. Current Case Load:

When your lawyer is handling your case, it’s important to be aware that they will likely also be handling a range of others. Because of this, they will be limited in the amount of time that they are able to dedicate to fighting your case. It’s important to ask your potential criminal lawyer how many cases they are expected to be handling at the same time as yours, and how this compares to their average caseload. This will help you to get a better idea of the amount of contact time that you will be able to have, and how much time you can expect them to dedicate to your case.

2. Previous Experience:

Any good lawyer, such as Withstand Lawyers, will always willingly share information about their previous experience when asked. When you are going to court, it is understandable that you would want somebody who is experienced in their field by your side, regardless of your reasons for attending. Before you decide on the right lawyer, be sure to ask them about the type of past experience that they have. For example, you should ask for information on the number of cases that they have won, and how many of those cases are similar to yours.

3. Fees and Expenses:

Before taking any lawyer on board, it is vital that you have thorough information about their fees and expenses beforehand. Whilst many lawyers who help their clients to win claims will work on a contingency basis where there is no fee if the case is lost, others, for example criminal lawyers, often charge a fee regardless of the outcome of the crime case. In some circumstances, you may be taken on as a pro bono case.

4. Possible Alternatives:

Depending on the type of case that you are involved in, your lawyer may be able to suggest possible alternatives to going to court. Parke Lawyers have experienced family lawyers and are nationally accredited mediators meaning they focus on reaching a resolution out of court that is suitable to both parties. In other cases, for example claims for medical negligence, unpaid debt or personal injury claims, real estate issues, it is possible to come to an out-of-court agreement.

5. Communication:

Lastly, it’s important to know what to expect from your lawyer throughout the case. Before you decide on any lawyer, you should ask them how you can expect to communicate with them, and how often.