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    Simplify Case Resolution for Clients

    by SimpleLaw on
    Legal client

    It's a new year. Woot! Well, more of the same so far but hey, it's at least a new chapter. Maybe you decided to take action on a potential legal issue. You completed your initial search to find the right attorney. You know who you are ready to  formally engage to represent you. To ensure a smoother case process, here are some recommendations from the engagement process through to completion.

    ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT

    The attorney you select likely has standard terms of engagement. Terms of engagement are critical to read through. Ask your attorney if you have questions on any aspect of it. Typically, things such as the billing process, payment, duties of the attorney, responsibilities of the client, and other items are noted. Keep an eye on what is not included, too.

    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. As an example, make sure the terms include how to resolve areas of conflict between the client (you) and the attorney or law firm.  If there is no clause outlining the resolution process in the agreement presented to you, make sure to ask for one. It protects both parties.

    Everyone wants everything to go as smoothly as possible. Both you and your attorney. It's important to include some information about how the engagement will end, too. Is there a clause that states when a client or an attorney can end the engagement before the case is completed? Look for that. If it isn't there, ask for it.

    Be sure the agreement outlines the extent the attorney represents you. As an example, let's say it's a divorce and one of the parties is not a naturalized US citizen. Do you then need to hire an immigration attorney? Your divorce attorney won't likely also be an expert in immigration. So, co-counsel, or an additional attorney, is needed. Look for language in the engagement letter that clearly states the area of law the attorney will handle. Be sure you understand the limitations to the extent of their representation.

    MANAGING THE CASE

    Attorneys really are great. But it may be a new experience for you. As such, things may feel uncomfortable or foreign. Hopefully, legal issues aren't something you need to manage very often. To ease the completion of the case, communication between you and your attorney is critical. This is one top recommendation, across all others you may hear.

    After you and the attorney sign the engagement letter, it's time to have a full and open discussion. Hide nothing. Share everything. Be completely open with the attorney you hire. Your discussions are protected, as everyone who has ever seen one of the many TV crime shows knows.  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 your attorney. 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. No need to add stress to the situation. Do your part as a good client and pay those invoices on time.

    CONCLUDING THE CASE

    So, it's done. Maybe it went your way. Maybe it didn't. Don't blame the attorney on the outcome. But hopefully, it won't be a surprise. As long as you and the attorney follow the open communications rule, surprises will be an exception. But, regardless of the outcome, have a conversation with the attorney. Give them your feedback as a client. Tell them 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, of course. Think about what would have been helpful for you to know, good or bad, when you were looking for an attorney. Don't be the guy who posts the complaints online and it's a surprise to the attorney. Have the conversation with the attorney first. 

    Deciding you have a legal case and moving forward with an attorney isn't usually easy or fun, unless you just won the lottery or something. The entire process is stressful and expensive. So, set yourself and your attorney up for success. 

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