Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer according to Findlaw.

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you’ll want to know about the lawyer’s expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We have lawyers at our law firm that have practiced for nearly 30 years and Mr. Hernandez has been practicing since 2001, we have decades of experience collectively.

 

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You’ll also want to know about a lawyer’s expertise and how much of the attorney’s practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We are trial, personal injury, business, probate, and property law firm.  Some of our lawyers also handle family law.  Whatever the issue is we can handle it.  Mr. Hernandez is our main personal injury and car accident attorney.

 

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer’s clients. This is because there may be different issues a lawyer is used to factoring when working with high net-worth individuals vs. college students.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We represent everyone and anyone.

 

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Feel free to ask about the attorney’s track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

No cases are ever the same but chances are we have represented someone in a case similar.

 

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We have attorneys with various state bar licenses and federal licenses, and even mediation experience.  Mr. Hernandez has tried hundreds of cases to judge and jury so that makes him an effective advocate, other lawyers have been handling real estate, others have been on family law boards with the States they are licensed to practice in .

 

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs.

This step is obviously an important one. You’ll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer’s services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

Personal injury cases and some other business law cases are on a contingency fee, others are billed with an initial retainer and a billable hour.

 

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to “go for the kill” in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you. Similarly, if you’re looking for an aggressive attorney to handle an upcoming corporate merger, for example, you’ll want someone who isn’t afraid to push the envelope, so to speak.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We attempt to win every case but realize that is not always possible, in which case we do the best we can and zealously represent our clients.

 

8. Are there others ways for solving my legal problem?

Go ahead. Ask the professional whether there are any alternatives for solving your legal problem, such as through arbitration or some other out-of-court arrangement. A good attorney will generally inform you if your case can be handled through other less expensive and time consuming means.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

Mediation is usually required before going to court. Sometimes that is the best option to settle out of court before spending hard earned money.  Othertimes we can send an initial demand for some cases so that our clients can get paid.

 

9. How will you let me know what’s happening with my case?

Communication is key when working with a lawyer. Ask the lawyer how often and under what circumstances you will hear from him or her. You’ll want to know how your case is coming along and about other important dates.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

Normally on our personal injury side you are assigned a case manager who keeps you informed with your case at least on a monthly basis until you are done treating and we obtain your medical bills.

 

10. What is the likely outcome in my case?

Generally speaking, it is fair game to ask the attorney whether you have a good chance of winning your case. You are not looking for the “right” answer, just an honest one. For instance, if you’re facing an uphill battle in, let’s say, a nasty divorce situation, you’ll want to know up front from the attorney so you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

ANSWER FOR OUR LAW FIRM

We can’t guarantee results but try to get the best possible outcome for your case.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us. 361-400-0178.