Masonry Magazine April 2003 Page. 54
Legal Advice
Once your initial interview has concluded, carefully consider the responses the attorney gave to your questions. Did the responses seem organized and professional? Did the attorney communicate openly, directly and in a manner you understand? Were you comfortable with their explanation of fees and costs, and their initial assessment of your legal matter? Did they seem equivocal, uncertain or overly confident?
After you are satisfied with an attorney based upon your investigation, retain them and insist upon a written fee agreement. You should also monitor fees and costs on a continuing basis. If possible, try to agree upon a budget.
Provide your counsel with all documents and information they request. Your timely provision of complete information is a vital element of good, cost-effective legal representation. Answer their questions and communicate openly and fully. If you feel that you cannot be fully forthcoming with your attorney, determine why and remedy the situation or seek new counsel. Poor or infrequent communications, and misunderstandings about fees and costs are the two most common reasons why attorneys and clients do not work well together.
If you ultimately decide that your interests are not best served by continuing to work with your counsel, you are generally free to terminate the relationship and seek new counsel. While you will likely have to resolve any outstanding fees and costs, most states permit you to fire your attorney at any time and for any reason. This is usually a drastic measure, but one you should exercise when the circumstances warrant.
In an ideal world you could live to a ripe old age and never require the services of an attorney. I feel the same about dentists, but that too is unrealistic. If you do require legal services, please do some investigation, ask a lot of questions and exercise your good judgment.
Warren Lutz, Esq., is a Director with the Washington, D.C., law firm of Jackson & Campbell, P.C. He specializes in product liability, toxic torts and construction litigation. He may be reached at wlutz@jackscamp.com.
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