Skip to content

    Attorney engagement for clients

    by SimpleLaw837 on
    Legal client Attorney Lawyer

    Ok, so you decided to move forward with your legal issue. You completed your search and are narrowing down your options. Now, to select and begin the engagement process. Remember, start with the end in mind. And remember it takes a team to resolve a case quickly and efficiently. Make sure the engagement process is smooth.

    Engagement Agreement

    So, the attorney you select will likely give you their standard terms of engagement. Typically, things such as billing process, payment, the duties of the attorney, the responsibility of the client and other items are noted. However, it's important to note what is not included, too. So, review the terms with a critical eye. Look for exceptions to the rule. Too often, agreements are entered in to assuming the best possible process and outcome. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. So, make sure the terms include how to resolve conflicts. If there is no clause in the agreement presented to you, make sure to ask for one. It protects both parties.

    Managing the case

    We know it can be uncomfortable to work with an attorney. Thankfully, it isn't something you likely need to do very often. So, to be very clear, it is critical to be completely open. Your discussions are protected, as everyone who has ever seen one of the many TV crime shows knows. After you and the attorney have signed the engagement letter, it's time to have a full and open discussion. Hide nothing. Share everything. Answer every question to the best of your ability. And, spend time prior to the discussion gathering any communications, letters, etc. that may be useful for your case. From there, trust in your attorney. And, above all else, be responsive. As you may imagine, your attorney is busy. So, if they reach out to you with questions, reply fully and quickly. And, of course, keep your accounts current.

    Concluding the case

    So, it's done. Maybe it went your way. Maybe it didn't. Naturally, don't blame the outcome on the attorney. But in either case, have a conversation with the attorney. Let them know your concerns, what went well, what didn't. Post a review on Yelp or Google. But don't let it be influenced by the outcome, unless your attorney was at fault. Think about what would have been helpful for you to know, good or bad, when you were looking for an attorney at the outset. And write that review. But don't let the attorney be caught off guard. Have that conversation with them first.

     

    Deciding you have a legal case and moving forward with an attorney is never easy. The entire process is stressful and expensive. So, set you and your attorney up for success.

    Related Articles