Appointing Lawyer: What to Consider

If you are charged with a crime, or you are desirous to file a lawsuit, you probably need a lawyer. The need of the lawyers is no longer limited to conducting lawsuits, you need them everywhere. Every time you want to start a business, enter into a contract or agreement, you have to hire a lawyer for protection of your rights, and for the avoidance of any subsequent legal complexity. 

If you do not appoint a lawyer, you m?ay lose your case, but if you appoint the wrong lawyer, you will lose your case, money, and time.

Here are few things you may want to consider before appointing a lawyer for handling your businesses:

Do you really need a lawyer?

Not all legal issues require a lawyer. You may handle various issues yourself if you have sufficient time and legal knowledge. That will certainly save your money. But, having a lawyer also has certain advantages. In some cases, fees of lawyers can be greater than the possible output. Consider your circumstances in deciding if you will appoint a lawyer.

  Type of lawyer you need

• It depends on the business/work you want your lawyer to carry out for you.
• Your lawyer should have adequate expertise/skills in the area of law that your case attracts. Make sure your lawyer understands the matter you are referring to him.
• Don't just look at the words "Barrister", "Advocate", "Solicitor", "Doctor" etc., look for quality, since quality is what ultimately matters. Besides, there is no reason to think that one of the above should be better than the others.
• Experience, age, and duration of practice are different things. Older does not necessarily mean better, and vice versa.

Fees & expenses

• This is one of the biggest concerns. Ask your lawyer about his professional fee & other expenses. While your lawyer may not be able to give you a precise quote, he should be able to give you a good idea. If you do not do it, you may experience some uncomfortable situations.
• Note that Lawyers charge differently. I take into account the required time, complexity of the matter etc. in charging my clients for legal services, unless I am a retainer or panel lawyer. Lawyers well reputed in a particular area may charge more, while they may also give better & faster result.
• Ask your lawyer for the available options i.e. flat fees, hourly fees, retainer fees, contingency fees etc.
• However, don't expect a lawyer to give you free advice over the telephone or in person. Your lawyer may also charge for the first meeting.

Communication and comfortability

You need a lawyer you can get in touch when necessary. This is because you may need to ask some questions or inform him some new facts or developments from time to time. Make sure your lawyer or at least on of his skilled associates is available for your contact.

Time and Possible Outcome

It is difficult for lawyers to tell you the exact time required for settling a case in the Court. However, he may give you an idea of approximate time. However, if you engage a lawyer for drafting/vetting an agreement, providing legal opinion/advice etc. which do not involve the court, he will be able to give you a time frame.

A client should also ask his lawyer about the possible outcome of his case. Though, no lawyer can/should guarantee the outcome of a case, he may tell you the possibility.    

Warnings

You should seriously think about the lawyers who guarantee an outcome, does not talk about the fees, gives an unreal guarantee, and is unreasonably cheaper etc. You should directly contact the lawyer, not through touts. As it appears, most of the criminal cases come through touts in our country.

These are my views and you do not have to agree! However, I will appreciate your feedback.