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What Questions To Ask Lawyers During Consultation?

Lisa JacksonFebruary 8, 2024

In all law cases, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, you will be able to tell your story, discuss your concerns, learn how the legal process works, and determine the best course of action in your particular case.

As part of the consultation, your attorney will discuss the facts of your case with you in detail, providing you with advice on how to proceed in each instance. Ensure that you are being candid and truthful with your attorney, and provide them with all relevant information regarding your case, both positive and negative.

It is important to know what questions to ask your lawyer during this consultation. Knowing what to ask will make it easier for you to find the right lawyer. A few examples would be:

1) Can You Provide Examples Of Similar Cases You Have Handled?

You should know if the lawyer is comfortable handling cases like yours. Despite the fact that every case is unique, there are likely to be some similarities between your case and one that has already been handled by the lawyer.

Several related questions may arise:

  • In which law school did you study?
  • What is your length of practice?
  • Is there a specific type of case that you handle?
  • Is it common for you to handle cases like mine?
  • Would you mind sharing an experience you had handled a case similar to mine? How did it turn out?
  • Are there any testimonials from your clients?

2) Can You Tell Me What Your Strategy Would Be For My Case?

Lawyers in an initial consultation rarely provide any specific legal advice, but they should be able to explain how your case could be handled. As well as describing the strategy that will be followed, they may provide a general overview. 

You may also want to ask:

  • Can you recall any past strategies you used to deal with similar cases?
  • Based on this strategy, how long would it take to resolve this case?
  • Does this strategy have any advantages or disadvantages?

3) Is There An Alternative To Going To Court?

There is usually a good chance you can avoid going to court when dealing with personal injury cases. The lawyer will typically attempt to reach a fair and reasonable resolution through the insurance company prior to filing a lawsuit. Even after filing a lawsuit, you may be able to resolve the issue through a mediation or arbitration process. You can avoid going to court by choosing either of these options.

You may also want to ask:

  • How many of your cases have been settled out of court?
  • Are you able to negotiate effectively?
  • Should you not be able to settle this case, would you be comfortable taking it to trial?
  • Regardless of whether you decide to settle outside of court, will you prepare my case for court?

4) What Are My Potential Outcomes?

The advice of some lawyers may only be what you want to hear. Nevertheless, a good lawyer will be honest about the likelihood of your case's conclusion. It is impossible for a lawyer to give you an exact estimate of your case's value or provide assurance that you will resolve the dispute out of court. Still, they may be able to offer alternatives based on their experience.

Questions related to this include:

  • What major obstacles do you see us facing?
  • Is there a chance that we will avoid a lawsuit?

5) Can You Tell Me How Much This Will Cost?

The topic of money is never fun, but now is the time to discuss it. In most cases, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. As a result, you do not pay anything until you receive your settlement. You may, however, need to pay an additional fee or another fee structure.

You may also want to ask:

  • How do you structure your fees? A contingent fee? Is it hourly? Or a flat fee?
  • Is there going to be an additional cost?
  • Could you give me an idea of how much my case will cost?

Would you like to know how to choose a class action lawyer? Read our blog to learn.

Meta Title: What Questions To Ask Lawyers During Consultation?

Meta Description: It is important to know what questions to ask your lawyer in a consultation. By knowing what to ask, you can find the right lawyer faster. Read on to learn. 

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