How to Find an Attorney in Arlington, TX
Questions to Ask Before Retaining an Arlington, TX Attorney
It is very important that you are comfortable talking to and trust the Arlington lawyer that you choose to represent your interests. You must understand what outcome you want in your case and if the attorney has the time and the resources to devote to getting that outcome for you. Along those lines, you should ask as many questions as possible when meeting an attorney for the first time.
Consumer Reports suggests that the following questions be asked during an interview with any attorney you might be considering:
- How many years of experience do you have in this specialty and how have you handled similar disputes in the past?
- What are the possible results from pursuing this matter?
- How long will you expect it to take to resolve this matter?
- How will you keep me informed of what is happening as the case proceeds?
- Will anyone else, such as one of your associates or paralegals, be working on my case?
- Do you charge a flat or an hourly rate and how much?
- What other expenses will there be besides your fee and how are they calculated?
- What's a reasonable approximate figure for a total bill?
- Can you give me a written estimate?
- Can some of the work be handled by members of your staff at a lower rate?
- Will unforeseen events increase the amount you charge me?
- If you charge on a contingency basis, what proportion of the amount I recover will be paid to you as your fee and can this figure be calculated after the expenses are deducted?
- How often will I be billed, and how are billing disputes resolved? If we cannot settle this, will you agree to mandatory arbitration?
- Do you need any further information from me?
- Can I do some of the work in exchange for a lower bill?
- Do you recommend that this matter be submitted to an arbitrator or mediator, and do you know anyone qualified to do this?