How to Find an Attorney

Why Secure Experienced Legal Counsel?

• To ensure better representation for yourself
• To reduce your stress associated with your case
• To improve your chances of a better overall case outcome

Once you decide you are able to retain an attorney for your case, there are a variety of things to consider in selecting an appropriate one who can represent you well. Because sexual and domestic violence raise a host of complicated circumstances, it is best to retain an attorney who understands the dynamics of sexual and domestic violence and has experience in handling cases where sexual and domestic violence are involved.

Identify an Attorney with Experience in Sexual & Domestic Violence Cases:

• Ask your local victim service provider. Often these organizations are well connected with your community and are aware of competent attorneys with experience in handling cases involving sexual and domestic violence. They may also know of attorneys who will work on a reduced-fee or no charge (pro bono) basis. Some sexual and domestic violence programs have attorneys on staff.
• Ask other victims or former victims of sexual and domestic violence. They may have had a good experience with an attorney and can refer that person.
• Ask the local legal services or pro bono program to see if you are eligible for their services.
• Check with the State Bar in your state to ask about low-cost or free legal services.

Questions to Ask an Attorney You Are Considering Hiring:

• How many years has she/he been in practice?
• How much experience does she/he have in the area of family law (or type of law related to your case)?
• Would she/he be able to represent your particular view?
• Why would she/he be a good attorney for you?
• What is her/his fee schedule?
• What is her/his caseload like right now?

It is important that you feel comfortable with and trust you attorney. This consideration may outweigh other factors, such as experience and cost.

Fees:

• Ask for a ballpark figure. Usually, an attorney can give you a ballpark figure or range for the cost of your legal matter, though it is often impossible to do more than this. Find out what services this ballpark figure or range would include. Find out what would not be covered and what the charge would be for those matters. For example, does the attorney charge for phone calls? Most do.
• If the charge is hourly, find out at what rate. Most attorneys ask to be paid a retainer fee (like a deposit) up front that is applied toward the total fee. Again, find out what services will be performed for the amount of the retainer and how you will be charged once the retainer fee has been used.
• A good way to monitor the progress of your case and to determine what costs are being incurred is to request that you be billed monthly and that bills be itemized. Many attorneys routinely use this method to keep you informed. Ask if the billing and itemization adds to costs. Ask about monthly payments instead of paying off fees as they are incurred. For example, can you make $100/month payments until you bill is settled?
• Once you arrive at an agreement about how fees will be computed and billed, get a written retainer agreement that includes these terms. You have a right to such a written agreement. If you know what you are being billed for and how you are being billed, you will have much more control over the cost of your attorney’s services and a better understanding of the services being performed for you.

What to Expect From Your Attorney:

• Keep you informed about the progress of you case.
• Answer your questions in an understandable matter.
• Return you phone calls in a reasonable amount of time.
• Keep statements you make to her/him confidential. You may wish to ask the attorney to explain this confidential aspect of your relationship.
• Provide advice about the law, legal alternatives, and their consequences.
• Represent you with zeal and competence.
• Ask you ultimately to make all the decisions in your case. For example, it should be your decision what you will agree to in property settlement.
• She/he will be your employee and will work for you. As such, she/he can be discharged by a letter from you stating that you no longer wish to retain her/his services. You will then be billed for the work done to date. Your new attorney (if you hire one) will continue your suit and get all past records on it from your former attorney.

What your Attorney Expects From You:

• Be realistic. You are not your attorney’s only client.
• Avoid phoning repeatedly.
• Keep appointments with your attorney, and use the time to the utmost. Come prepared with the necessary information, documents, and questions. It may be useful to have a list of questions and concerns with you whenever you speak to your attorney over the phone or in person.
• Make your priorities clear, and listen carefully to what your attorney tells you about how the law may impact your wants and needs.