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What to Ask a Lawyer
If you need a lawyer's services, there are many questions you should ask before signing any agreement with them.
Begin with questions about their education and experience. Ask the lawyer what law school he or she went to, and when he or she graduated. You should also ask how long they've been practicing law, how often they have handled cases similar to yours, and how many cases similar to yours they have handled. You should also ask what percentage of their case load is composed of cases similar to yours.
Questions about the lawyer's professional history are also important. You should ask the lawyer if he or she has ever been involved in a fee dispute, and what the outcome of the dispute was. You should ask if the lawyer has ever been sued for malpractice, and how the lawsuit was resolved. You should also ask the lawyer if he or she has been subject to any disciplinary action by the state bar. If the answer to the last question is "yes" you should ask about the nature of the disciplinary proceeding, and its outcome.
You should also ask the lawyer when it is best for you to contact them, and by what means (i.e. telephone, email, fax, in person, etc.).
While some of these questions may seem intrusive, you should not be timid when it comes to asking them. You are paying your lawyer a substantial amount of money, and trusting them with a great deal of responsibility. The more information you have, the better off you will be.
This article should not be considered exhaustive, by any means. It is simply meant to provide you with some guidelines for questions that you should ask before you agree to let a lawyer represent you. You should ask your potential lawyer ANY question that you think is relevant.
If the lawyer's answer to any of the above questions is evasive or defensive, this should raise a serious red flag. If you cannot get an answer from the lawyer, you should check with your state bar association.
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