If you are someone who is dealing with cases involving personal injury claims, medical negligence, fraud, family disputes, etc., it is always better to seek help from an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can check your case thoroughly and knows the best ways to help you out.
But if you are someone who has no idea about the various legal proceedings or is new to law, then you might find yourself confused in the lawyer’s office. You might not know what questions you should ask before you hire them. But the good news is that many lawyers and law firms provide a free lawyer consultation. This will help you find out if they are the right attorney for your case.
Here are the top 5 questions you should ask during a free lawyer consultation.
1. What is Their Experience in Handling Similar Cases?
When it comes to the court, experience plays a very important role. Only an attorney who has experience in the particular field will know how they will be able to handle the case efficiently. Not all attorneys practice in every field, so you need to choose someone with prior experience in handling similar cases to yours.
Don’t forget to ask questions like how many similar cases they have handled before and the outcome of the cases. This question will help you understand the lawyer’s experience with similar cases and their track record.
2. What is the Legal Strategy for Your Case?
Every case is unique and should be handled in such a way. So it is important to ask your lawyers about the various legal options that may be available for you. The lawyer will give you various options available, such as a bargain, a mutual understanding, a trial, or even a dismissal.
A strong answer shows that the lawyer has thoroughly listened to the case and is aware of the various steps he should take in order to help you get the desired results without much trouble.
3. What Could Be the Possible Outcomes for Your Case?
While no lawyer will be able to give a 100% correct result, a good lawyer can give you an answer based on a realistic assessment of your case. This will help you understand where your case stands and what various outcomes you can expect from your case, whether good or bad.
This will help you stay prepared for any obstacle you may face during the process and set a realistic expectation from the start.
4. What are the Charges for Their Services?
When it comes to going to court or approaching a lawyer, one of the things that people worry about is the legal fees. This is why you need to clearly understand the charges of the attorney before you decide to hire them.
The legal fees vary from case to case and the lawyer. While some lawyers work on a contingency basis, others may charge on an hourly basis. So during your consultation, ensure that you ask questions such as “What is your fee structure?” and also “Are there any additional costs you should know about?” etc.
This will help you get detailed information about the rates and what the total cost might be.
5. How will they Communicate With You?
One of the major issues that clients face with lawyers is that they don’t hear from them on time. So you need to clearly get details on how they will update you regarding the progress, who will be your point of contact, and how quickly you can expect a response from them.
With proper communication, you can have proper updates on your case and a good relationship with your attorney, making the process easy.
Final Thoughts
A free lawyer consultation is not just a meeting, but your opportunity to evaluate the skills of the attorney and get to know them. So asking proper questions, such as their experience and outcomes, is one of the best ways for you to make an informed decision before hiring a lawyer.