The following are simple tips on hiring a capable lawyer:
- A Lot Is At Stake. If you want to destroy a man, tie him up in lawsuits. Sit down with a number of attorneys before you make a final decision. Think about trying to get a few recommendations. Unless you’re skint, free legal aid isn’t the way to go. You tend to get the law you pay for, regrettably.
- It’s A Competitive Market. There are lots of web sites offering legal services. Most are resellers or directories. A reseller is someone who passes you onto the lawyer who will actually handle your case. This may save you money, or be a damned nuisance. The lawyer you choose ought to reflect your requirements and situation. You do not require an ambulance chaser for a serious criminal charge. If you’re skint, some good solicitors do ‘pro bono publico’ work; free, ‘for the public good’.
- Put It In Writing. Disputes arise over assumptions not put in writing. The lawyer has his version of your ‘verbal agreement’, and you have yours. Disputes are best avoided by clearly spelling out everything upfront; the essence of a good contract.
- Ask If The Lawyer Intends To Really Handle Your Case Himself. Many firms simply refer such cases to the ‘real’ specialist and get part of the fee in return. This may not be in your best interest.
- A Law Firm Or Just A Referral Service? Referral companies have internet sites that make them appear to be the whole deal. They take your case on and then sell it to the true law firm who will pay them a fee. Once you’ve settled on a few law firms, you can enter their business name in a search engine with the words ‘problem’ or ‘scam’, and see what comes up. It could be revealing!
- Demand A Written Estimate Of Fees, all disbursements and extras. They don’t usually get asked asked this. Make sure that the estimate contains an upper limit, an hourly rate and a schedule of chargeable items. Solicitors usually charge for phone calls and photocopies. Be sure and cover contingencies with him. What will it cost if the unexpected occurs? You want to know before you get a huge bill. Lawyers aren’t charities. They’re in this game to make a profit and only the simple-minded would begrudge them. It cost a great deal to get them where they are, so they charge you for it.
- Educate Yourself About Basic Pertinent Law, both in theory and practice. Look up past cases. Then you can ask your lawyer informed questions, instead of paying his fees and hoping for the best.
- Contingency Fee. When pursuing damages, try to hire a solicitor who’ll take your case on a contingency-fee basis; he will not get paid unless you get paid. Be sure you clearly understand the payment schedule before you sign the retainer agreement. He’ll take his fee out of the money you receive in your settlement; about one-third of your final settlement _after_ expenses are taken off the top!
I hope these few handy suggestions will help you in employing a competent lawyer.
