3 Things You Need To Know About Hiring An Attorney For The First Time

Posted on: 27 February 2018

If you have never used a lawyer before, you might not know what to expect. Using a lawyer for a civil suit, criminal case, or even a family issue is very common and it is important that you understand what you are getting into. Regardless of the reason you are hiring the lawyer, here are some things you should know.

1. An Attorney Can Never Guarantee Any Outcome

First of all, it is important to know that a lawyer can never guarantee any outcome. They are unable to predict the future, and there are too many moving parts in any legal dispute for them to be able to tell you exactly what is going to happen. However, they can give you chances based on other cases they have seen, your evidence, and their ability. For instance, they might tell you that you have a 50/50 chance of winning a certain case. Then you need to decide if you like those odds and if you are willing to take the risk.

It is important to know that it is a risk at times. You always have the chance for the outcome to be different then you hoped, and you need to be ok with that. Know that it is not the attorney's fault when you don't win. There are too many factors for it to be blamed on one thing. The attorney will do their best to represent you, but in the end, there are no sure things.

2. You Will Need To Have A Retainer Ready

In most areas of law, you will need to have a retainer ready before you hire an attorney. This means that you put money in an account that the attorney will draw from as they do the work. They cannot access the retainer money without doing the work, but you will also be unable to access the retainer money. Think of it as money in a special bank account that is no longer your own, or the lawyers. They have to earn it, but you have already spent it. This why it is important that before you meet with the attorney you have the funds ready.

3. You Can Usually Get A Free Consult

Luckily, in the majority of situations, you can talk to an attorney for free about your situation and they can help you decide if it is worth pursuing. Then if you choose to do it, you pay the retainer, but you usually don't have to make that decision, without consulting first.

These are just a couple things you need to know about hiring an attorney. For more information, contact a company like Annunziata Albert.

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