1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.
2. Do you have a policy of professional liability insurance? Like doctors, attorneys should maintain a malpractice insurance policy in the event that mistakes occur.
3. How many cases like mine have you taken to trial and/or settlement? This number is a bellwether indicating the attorney’s familiarity and experience with cases like yours.
4. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.
5. Who will be working on my case, you or junior associates, and if other individuals will be working on my case can I meet them as well? Oftentimes attorneys utilize the indispensable aid of younger, more inexperienced attorneys. Their help can save costs, but you should ask to meet them. While you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the subject matter, do not underestimate or neglect your judgment when evaluating an attorney candidate or his employees.
6. What is your policy regarding returning client phone calls? The most frequent complaint of clients is unreturned phone calls. Your attorney should have a 24 hour turnaround on client phone calls, absent unusual circumstances. It would be best to have this policy written into your retainer agreement with the attorney to ensure compliance.
7. How will you explain to me all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payments of costs? The answer to this question will demonstrate the time and “bed-side” manner of your attorney. These questions are often time consuming even though very important. Your attorney should explain to you, in detail, all of the above subject matter areas thoroughly. By expressing your willingness to be involved in the case you will set the tone that you want to be involved in your case and are willing to learn.
8. How do you think my case should handled, that is, do you have a set strategy for cases like mine? Again, this question will demonstrate (1) whether your prospective attorney is familiar with your case’s subject matter and (2) his organizational skills.
9. How long before we reach trial or settlement in my case? An attorney who promises settlement or recovery almost immediately should be avoided. Yet your attorney should be able to provide a reasoned estimate of the time required to reach the conclusion of your case.
10. Do I have a case, what do you think my chances are for receiving a successful judgment or settlement? This question should be asked with the understanding that your attorney might inform you that you have no real chance of recovery. Sometimes people are hurt, injured, or suffer injustice and there is no legal remedy. A good attorney will provide you with his strategy for your case which explains your role, the steps he will take, and the likelihood that you will be successful at trial or settlement.
Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.