How to Choose A Lawyer Who Will be Right for You can be a difficult process. It is important that you devote sufficient time to choosing the right lawyer who will understand your needs and have a reasonable chance at meeting your expectations. It is important to ask questions of both the lawyer and his staff. You should of course expect complete and understandable answers. You should also trust your instincts in determining whether there will be a good “fit” between you and your lawyer and his/her staff. If not, consider interviewing several other lawyers before you make a final decision. You do not have to hire the lawyer the first time you meet with him/her. At The Webster Law Firm, we will answer your questions and assist you in choosing a lawyer who is right for you.
A Telephone Consultation with several lawyers or their staff is generally a good place to start. The staff will need some information about the accident and injury as well as your medical treatment. The staff should be able to answer many of your questions and if not, an attorney should return your call within a reasonable period of time (24-48 hours). Many attorneys will offer a free telephone consultation. This is a good place to start. If you get a good response from the staff and/or the attorney, ask for an in-person appointment. At The Webster Law Firm, we always offer a free initial consultation either by phone or in person.
At the Initial Appointment it is usually helpful to bring all information you have concerning your accident and injuries. This would include telephone numbers of any insurance representatives, claim numbers, notes of conversations, pictures, a list of doctors, a police report or any other information you may have collected.
At the first appointment, it is appropriate for you to ask the lawyer and/or his staff questions about not only your claim, but how they would handle your claim if they represented you. It is also appropriate to ask them about their experience in handling the type of claim you have, as well as how they intend to keep you informed about your claim. At The Webster Law Firm, we will do our best to address all of your concerns and answer all of your questions. We will also help you determine if your claim can be handled without a lawyer and give you suggestions about how to do so if appropriate. We do not charge for the initial appointment or telephone consultation.
Some typical discussion questions you may have:
- Do I have a valid legal claim?
- Is this something you routinely handle?
- What other similar cases have you handled and what were the outcomes?
- How much will this cost me?
- How long will it take to solve my legal problem?
- How will you keep me informed about my case?
- Will you attempt to resolve my claim without going to court, and if so, how?
- Who is available to answer my questions if you are not available?
- Will you help me get my medical bills paid?
- How often will we meet or talk on the phone?
After the initial interview, who should I hire?
Based on your first interview, you should consider the following factors before agreeing to hire a lawyer:
- Could you communicate effectively with the lawyer? Was the lawyer clear and easy to understand?
- Are fees reasonable in comparison with other lawyers’ charges?
- Did the lawyer give clear explanations of how he or she will let you know about progress in your case?
If you are not satisfied with this lawyer, do not hire him or her. Look elsewhere for legal help.
Our Guarantee
No one can guarantee the outcome of a lawsuit. At The Webster Law Firm, we guarantee that we will listen to you, provide professional and honest advice, and include you in all major decisions. We will meet or talk with you on a regular basis and keep you informed about the progress of your case. We will work hard for you and treat you with the respect you deserve.
Call The Webster Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.