FAQs
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Do these four things before you contact an attorney: 1. Ask yourself if this is truly a legal issue? Having your feelings hurt is not against the law. A landlord refusing to refund a rent deposit for no reason is a legal issue for example. 2. Gather the Proof. Courts, lawyer, and all legal negotiations operate on a concept called the burden of proof. While the burden can shift to one party or another depending on the case and issue at hand, the bottom line is that you have to prove your case. Make your time with your attorney beneficial --> bring support and necessary documents with you when you meet. I can argue but cannot win a case that calls for proof that I cannot present to the Court. 3. What outcome do you want? Let me know what you are after. Lawyers are very well trained but we cannot read your mind. Also, our remedy may not be what you want, so think of what you want before you call. At the same time, think of a reasonable remedy. If somebody damages your car, you should expect the damage to be fixed, not for a brand new car unless the damages are so excessive so as to render the car unusable. Also keep in mind that the Courts exist for law and order, not revenge or to harm another person. You want damages from a store because you slipped and fell on a wet floor? This is fair. You want the employee fired because they failed to put out a wet floor sign? Not reasonable and not a remedy a lawyer can ask for. 4. Be Honest. You need to think the case all the way through, not just the evidence that supports your desired outcome. The lawyer was not there, did not sign the contract at issue, or drive the car the police just ticketed --> YOU DID. For me or any attorney to be effective, we need to know what circumstances and events led to the legal issue at hand. We simply cannot know unless you tell us. Information told to an attorney often falls under the attorney-client privilege. This is a protection that allows the attorney to keep your confidence well confidential. Enjoy this privilege and your case will go much better. I truly wish you luck in dealing with your legal endeavors.