Your attorney will be one of the most important people in your life, especially if your case involves your freedom. Your lawyer will make many decisions for you, some of which are not easy because they would involve a lot of thinking and even questioning. You may even have to take positions that are against your personal feelings but are necessary to your case. Therefore, you should be considerate enough to make things easy for your lawyer. You can do this by being organized. Just that one simple thing will make a world of difference. Here are some tips for working with a lawyer that you will find helpful.
First, you have to be completely honest. Tell your lawyer everything about your case and do not hide anything. This includes all information, whether embarrassing, favorable, or unfavorable. You may be surprised to find that hiding even the most trivial detail can have a huge negative impact on your case. Your lawyer will be able to advise you properly, if and only if you fully disclose the facts. Please note that all attorneys are strictly bound to maintain the confidentiality of their client’s information.
Second, be prepared to discuss fees with your attorney. This discussion should happen, at most, on the first day. Negotiate payment plans with your attorney and once an agreement has been established, get it in writing, review it carefully, and once you and your attorney have signed it, keep a copy for yourself. Most legal fee arguments take place because there is no written agreement.
Third, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You should understand everything about your case and become well familiar with the legal process so that your attorney can better serve you. Keep in mind, however, that you are paying for your attorney’s services, including their time. Therefore, it is better to ask a handful of questions at a time rather than calling your lawyer back every time you need to ask a question or two. This benefits both of you, as you can reduce your legal fees while your lawyer doesn’t waste time.
Fourth, before you sign anything, ask your lawyer to explain it in detail until you fully understand it. What may be perfectly simple and routine for a lawyer can be terribly confusing for people who lack legal experience. Also, you should have your own copy of all the legal documents involved in your case. This includes correspondence like letters and memos, and court notices, your fee agreement, and more.
Finally, before you react to your lawyer’s advice, think about what he says. Remember that his attorney is someone with unsurpassed experience and knowledge of the law. Most likely, he has already done something similar to your case many times. Just remember that whatever decision or advice your lawyer makes or gives, no matter how favorable or unpleasant it may sound, what he has in mind is what is best for you.
