Mar4Written by:Bob Cohen
3/4/2010 10:01 AM 
I think it’s safe to say that if you’re reading this blog, you need an attorney. Before you agree to have any attorney represent you, here are some things you should discuss with him or her.
First-things-first: Conduct a brief phone interview. Ask the attorney about his or her experience and how many and how often they’ve handled similar cases to yours. Your attorney will let you know if you need to have a brief in-person meeting with him or her to discuss your legal situation. Be sure to find out if there is a charge for this initial consultation.
Be Prepared: If your attorney asks for you to come in, arrive on time and be prepared. Your initial consultation may be short, 15 to 30 minutes is not unusual. To make the meeting as productive as possible, bring a list of questions and take notes.
Learn How Often You’ll Talk to Your Attorney: Find out how often you’ll be in contact with your attorney throughout your case and how that contact will take place. Unlike on TV, where an entire case, from investigation to depositions to trial, happens in an hour, your legal situation can go on for an extended period of time. Your opportunity to learn how often you’ll communicate with your lawyer is at the start of your working relationship.
Ask About Your Point Person: Ask who will be your point person. Whom you can expect to speak with between visits to your attorney’s office. Will it be your attorney or will it be his or her paralegal? Knowing when, how, and who will be communicating with you can help make the process much easier.
Discuss Costs: Don’t be afraid to discuss costs. It’s important to select an attorney you can afford. It’s okay to ask what the attorney’s fee covers. Try to get an estimate of what the attorney believes will be the total cost in writing and to secure a written contract that spells out the maximum costs and fees associated with your legal situation. The more you know upfront, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter down the line.
Many of the attorneys in Walker & Walker Legal Network at 1-800-THE-LAW2 will help you on a "
contingency basis" which means that they only collect fees if you win your case. This system ensures that you get the help you need without the worry of having to pay a penny upfront. Once you’ve won, your attorney receives a percentage of your settlement fees, together with case costs.
I hope this helps you find the right attorney. If you have any question about 1-800-THE-LAW2, don’t hesitate to call. We look forward to answering all you questions.
Robert M. Cohen
Attorney at Law
Attorney Member, Walker & Walker Legal Network at 1-800-THE-LAW2