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Get organized. Prepare a written account or detailed notes outlining
your legal problem or questions. The lawyer must know all the details, decide
what is important to your case.
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Full and honest disclosure. An honest account about your problem, including
information that may be favorable or unfavorable, is very important. Only
if you are completely candid can a lawyer properly advise you. Remember
that there are strict rules that require a lawyer to keep your information
confidential.
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Talk about fees. Your lawyer will be ready to discuss fees at the first
meeting. You should be ready to do the same. You can and should negotiate
fees and discuss payment plans with your lawyer. Get your agreement in writing
and keep a copy for your file. Most disputes about fees happen because there
is no written record of an agreement.
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Ask your lawyer questions. In order for your lawyer to serve you better,
you must understand all aspects of your case and the legal process. But
remember, you are paying for your lawyer's time. It is more cost effective
to ask several questions at once instead of calling your every time one
question comes to mind. You may be charged for each call.
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Know what you sign. Before you sign a document, ask your lawyer to fully
explain to your satisfaction any document. What can be clear and routine
to a lawyer can be confusing to people without formal legal training.
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Keep your own file. Don't hesitate to ask for copies of all letters and
documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement
between you and your lawyer in the file.
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Legal advice. Give careful and thoughtful consideration to what your
lawyer advises. The lawyer's judgments are based on legal training and experience.
Remember that lawyers cannot work magic. No lawyer wins every case, and
sometimes the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear. Your lawyer
will provide advice that has your best legal interests in mind.
