CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY

When seeking any attorney, you should look for one with experience and expertise in your area of need.  The attorney you used to draw up your will, for example, may not have the experience necessary to handle your DSS matter.  Do not be afraid to ask your current attorney for a referral.

When you are selecting an attorney, you are looking for an ally who can advocate zealously on your behalf.  The following questions can help you find the right attorney for your case.

• What is your experience in this field?

• Have you handled cases similar to mine before?  How many?

• What was the outcome?

• What are other possible outcomes of my case?

• What are my alternatives in resolving this matter?

• How much courtroom experience do you have?

• Can I speak to some of your former clients?

You will also want to ask the attorney about his or her rates, how often you will be billed, and whether the total bill will include other expenses.

Although most attorneys are willing to try to give you an estimate of the total cost of your case, each case has many variables.  It is impossible to consider every possible variable with any certainty.  Your matter may be resolved quickly, or there may be unexpected complications that preclude a quick resolution.

When you retain any attorney, you may want to ask:

•  How will you keep me informed of progress on my case?

• What kind of approach will you take to resolve my case?

• When will you return my phone calls?*

* Remember: NO ONE can be accessible 24 hours a day. Your attorney – no matter whom you retain – will have other clients, court hearings, and trials in addition to yours, and cell phones are not allowed in courtrooms and certain other areas.

You will also want to ask the attorney who else will be working on your case.  In an effort to keep expenses down, many attorneys may allow paralegals and legal interns – under the attorney's direct supervision – to perform certain tasks in your case.

You will be sharing sensitive personal information with your attorney.  Therefore, your attorney should be someone you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable.  You may rest assured that the attorney's staff is bound by the same ethical rules as your attorney.