An attorney will serve as your voice during legal proceedings, which is why you should hire an individual who can represent your best interests. As some legal matters can take a few months or longer to resolve, you must also be able to work together effectively. To ensure you pick the right attorney for your case, here are a few questions to ask during the interview process. 

4 Questions to Ask an Attorney During the Initial Consultation

1. Do you have experience with my type of case?

From creating living wills to handling divorce proceedings, attorneys specialize in various areas of law. Before hiring someone, make sure their practice areas cover your type of legal matter. To get a sense of their qualifications, also ask how many similar cases they’ve handled and the outcome of each.    

2. Have you ever been cited for misconduct?

To keep their credentials, lawyers must follow strict standards regarding professional conduct. Ask whether the attorney has been sanctioned for failing to abide by the rules. This will give you an idea of whether they use questionable methods that could jeopardize the outcome of your case. You can reach out to the state’s legal licensing authority to double-check the information and see whether there are violations the lawyer did not disclose.   

3. How do you communicate with clients?

To ensure the case goes smoothly, you should be able to communicate with your attorney at all times and vice versa. To get the working relationship off to a good start, find out whether they will get in touch via email, text, or phone calls. You might need to send and receive paperwork, too, so ask whether this is done via email or fax. You should work with a lawyer who uses communication methods that make you most comfortable.  

4. How active should I be with the case?

The type of legal matter goes a long way in determining how much you’ll be asked to participate in the case. During the interview, your potential representation will provide insight on what you can expect from the process. Some lawyers might require clients to be more hands on than others.   

If you need legal representation for estate planning or real estate transactions in Ohio’s Auglaize, Mercer, or Logan counties, contact Dennis P. Faller, Attorney at Law, in Wapakoneta. Attorney Faller and his associates will answer questions, help gather paperwork, and provide thorough instructions on the best way to proceed. To see how the attorney will put his 40 years of experience to work for you, call (419) 738-4578, or visit the law firm online to learn more about their practice areas.