It pays to have an experienced attorney on your side that you can trust. In order for you to trust them, their experience must meet the needs of your case so you can get the best possible result.
Much like finding a doctor, you should never rush to choose a Pennsylvania attorney. It is always best to meet with more than one to decide who works best for you.
You should ask a lawyer these questions to ensure you receive the best representation possible:
- What is your experience with cases like mine?
- Do you have trial experience?
- What are your settlement results?
- Who on your team handles my case?
- Will there be a retainer fee?
- Will there be a contingency fee or a flat fee?
- Are there other costs involved in pursuing my case?
- Do you offer a free consultation?
- How often do you communicate with clients directly?
- What is your litigation strategy?
#1: What is your experience with cases like mine?
Law has many areas of specialization. These can range from personal injury to medical malpractice.
Always make sure that your attorney specializes in your case type. For example, if you are in a car accident and you have a choice between a firm that specializes in personal injury and one that mostly practices divorce, hire the personal injury lawyer.
#2: Do you have trial experience?
Cases are usually settled before going to trial. However, if your attorney has trial experience, they are likely good at aggressively negotiating for the best results in a settlement.
#3: What are your settlement results?
It is essential to have an attorney who negotiates for a better settlement. If your attorney has strong settlement results in past cases, they are a good choice.
#4: Who on your team handles my case?
Avoid attorneys who assign most of their work to legal assistants or paralegals. It is common for these legal specialists to assist in filing court documents and collecting documentation from the client, but an attorney should always be the person meeting with you and leading your case.
#5: Will there be a retainer fee?
Some attorneys charge a fee before they begin working on a case. This usually depends on the type of cases they handle. Some cases that involve a potential lawsuit or trial will have a retainer fee.
#6: Will there be a contingency fee or a flat fee?
Many attorneys charge either a contingency fee or a flat fee for their services.
A contingency fee means that an attorney will charge the client only if they settle or win the case. Usually, it is a percentage of the settlement or awarded funds.
A flat fee means that an attorney charges one total fee for all services, usually an hourly rate. This is the most common fee structure for bankruptcy and divorce lawyers.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. We do not recommend hiring a personal injury lawyer who charges by the hour.
#7: Are there other costs involved in pursuing my case?
For complicated cases, there may be extra fees for special investigators, experts, court filing fees, etc. Always make sure that your attorney is upfront with potential costs. However, keep in mind that you don’t pay for any of these costs during a personal injury case unless the attorney wins your case.
#8: Do you offer a free consultation?
Many law firms offer free consultations to review your case, regardless of what it may be. Usually, this involves speaking with the attorney over the phone or in-person. Avoid personal injury attorneys who charge you for an initial consultation.
#9: How often do you communicate with clients directly?
It is best to choose an attorney that speaks directly to you when available. They are an important source for legal questions about your case. It also shows the attorney’s willingness to work with their clients and dedicates themselves to a case.
#10: What is your litigation strategy?
This is a good way to see if your attorney’s strategy will work with your legal goals. If pursuing a personal injury case, you may want an attorney who is confident and aggressive. However, keep in mind that most cases end in settlement, so it is best to find an attorney who negotiates well.
Contact An Experienced Philadelphia Attorney
These are good questions to ask a lawyer during your initial consultation. Much like a doctor, your lawyer’s job is to look out for your wellbeing. Always use these questions to ask lawyers about their experience and their results. Ultimately, the expertise and experience of your attorney can make or break your case.
At PhillyLaw LLC, we passionately pursue cases with strong results. If you have any questions about a personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, or other personal injury claim our office of attorneys in Philadelphia are here to help you.
We strive to provide our clients with personalized, one-on-one representation. Call the office or contact us today at PhillyLaw to schedule a free consultation to review your case.