| There are certain procedures and tips to follow | | | | ahead of time to smooth the relationship. First, |
| when you hire a lawyer. The attorney is | | | | you should have your lawyer provide you with |
| representing your issues but you still have rights | | | | written documentation that details both of your |
| and obligations. When you hire a lawyer, you | | | | respective responsibilities along with the fees and |
| expect professional legal advice and | | | | expenses you should expect to pay. |
| representation. In most cases, that's exactly what | | | | Second, if you're moving forward with your |
| you receive. The majority of practicing lawyers | | | | lawyer on a contingency basis, have him give you |
| want to help you whether you're seeking a | | | | a written agreement that shows the percentage |
| judgment, defending your rights, or simply need | | | | he'll take provided a judgment is given in your |
| legal guidance. Occasionally, you and your lawyer | | | | favor. Third, ask questions. Ask your attorney to |
| may have difficulty working together. Below, we'll | | | | estimate how much time the case will require. |
| describe how to manage the expectations you | | | | Ask for updates, especially if circumstances arise |
| have of your attorney, how to prevent problems | | | | that may cause a delay in your case. Many times, |
| from emerging and when to pursue a fee | | | | simple communication between you and your |
| arbitration hearing. | | | | attorney can prevent the relationship from |
| Managing Expectations | | | | souring. |
| Your lawyer has a professional and legal duty to | | | | Pursuing Fee Arbitration |
| you. This includes providing you with a level of | | | | If the invoice your receive from your lawyer |
| representation that employs every ethical means | | | | seems excessive, you may want to seek fee |
| to support or defend you. You should also expect | | | | arbitration. Before you do, talk with your lawyer. |
| your lawyer to keep the things you mention to | | | | In most cases, there's a good reason why his bill |
| him private. Confidential matters should be kept | | | | is higher than you expected. If, after discussing |
| confidential (barring circumstances in which a | | | | the invoice with him, you're still unsatisfied, you |
| person's life is in danger). One of the most | | | | can have an arbitrator hear both sides of the |
| important expectations you should have of your | | | | case and issue a binding resolution. |
| lawyer is that he will allow you to make the | | | | The professional relationship that you experience |
| decisions about your case. Whether you accept a | | | | with your attorney should be without major |
| settlement, a plea agreement, or other outcome | | | | problems. After all, he's there to represent you |
| should be left to your discretion. | | | | during your case. Manage your expectations and |
| Greasing The Chute | | | | take steps to ensure that you minimize the |
| There's a lot you can do upfront that will help you | | | | likelihood of issues surfacing. In the end, you're |
| avoid having a bad experience with your attorney. | | | | hiring a lawyer for his experience, training and |
| Many of the problems that clients have with their | | | | expertise. A good relationship can build rapport |
| attorneys are due to their not taking measures | | | | and help you win your case. |