There are few things in this life more stressful than needing to seek legal counsel, especially if you have been the victim.
There are many different reasons why you may need to employ a lawyer or an attorney, you may have been charged with a crime – whether it be a misdemeanor or felony – and need to hire an attorney to defend you, or you are the victim of a crime and need to seek legal counsel.
You should prepare yourself for the meeting with your future lawyer so that you can get everything that you want out of the relationship.
How To Find A Lawyer
Most people start online if they don’t have a family lawyer to speak with; most law firms will have on their website the areas they service. For example, Horst Shewmaker has a page dedicated to service areas in Georgia to give you some idea.
Once you have found a lawyer who covers your area and your reason for needing them, it’s time to start interviewing to ensure you have the right person working on your case.
Below are some questions that you should ask your lawyer before hiring them:
How much do they charge per hour?
This is one of the most important questions you will ask, so make sure you inquire about this first.
It’s just as important that the lawyer is comfortable with your budget as you are with their fees, no one wants to be feeling uncomfortable when the question of money arises.
What will my case cost me in total?
Make sure that you also ask how much any potential settlements or attorney fees are going to be as well.
This can help give a clearer idea of what your actual budget might be for legal counsel and help avoid any surprises down the line.
What do they offer me in terms of legal services or fees?
If you are currently with another firm, this will give you a good idea of what to expect moving forward.
How long have they been doing this type of case?
There’s nothing wrong with hiring a lawyer that is new to your situation as long as you are aware.
You want a lawyer who is experienced and professional in their field, this way you are less likely to end up in an awkward situation with a potentially overbearing attorney who may be less than honest about their experience.
How much time will be needed to complete the case?
This can oftentimes span from months to years depending on the case, so look at this as well.
Also, if you are thinking about settling or taking a plea bargain, factor that into your computation as well.
What do they specialize in?
A lawyer may specialize in criminal, family, or corporate law. Some people will have a few specializations while others may have one area, finding out what you need is important.
Sometimes lawyers will offer a free consultation, or they may offer something else such as money towards your legal fees that you have already accumulated.