Wright & Weiner

SELECTING A LAWYER

If at all possible, select a lawyer when you are not in crisis and in need of immediate legal representation. In many situations, doing some "comparison shopping" of lawyers will help you to find one with whom you can work comfortably and with full confidence. Some considerations in hiring a lawyer include:

• Do you and the lawyer have the same goal for the case?
• Do you believe the lawyer has the expertise and experience to handle your case?
• Do you understand the lawyer's explanation of what your case may involve, including a timetable of the case, when and how often the lawyer intends to contact you, and how closely you will be involved in the lawyer's work?
• Do you understand and agree with the lawyer's billing practices?
• Do you believe that the lawyer will agressively represent you in your case?

THE FEE AGREEMENT

You always should ask for a written fee agreement from your lawyer. The fee agreement should explain clearly the legal fees charged by the lawyer, including what services the lawyer will provide; the type and amount of fees for these services; and the billing practices of the lawyer. See below for some common fee arrangements used by lawyers for legal services.

In addition to legal fees, you will be charged for the costs associated with your case. Costs include fees charged by the courts as well as expenses incurred by the lawyer to prepare and present your case. Typical costs include court filing fees; consultant charges; witness fees; travel expenses related to the case, among others. You can ask, as part of your written fee agreement, for an estimate of expected costs.

Some other issues to consider when writing a fee agreement include:

• Who else will be working on the case (paralegals, legal assistants, and other support staff), and how will that time be billed?
• How will costs be paid- directly by you, or by your lawyer for later reimbursement from you?
• Are there ways to reduce legal fees and costs?
• How will you be billed and can a payment schedule be arranged?

With a completed fee agreement, you will have a concrete sense of the lawyer's estimate of the total charges. However, remember that an estimate is simply a calculated guess and that the total amount may change as circumstances change.