1. Be sure that the lawyers you retain have done this exact same thing before; 2. Ask for the names of the lawyers who will work on the case on your behalf and ask that ONLY those lawyers bill time to the matter; 3. Ask what is this going to cost me? (repeat from time to time); 4. Read the bills!
1
Before You Hire the Lawyers
Write down your list of questions. Include these: "Have you done this very same type of litigation before?" What side did you represent? When was the litigation? What court was it in? What is the case number? How did it turn out? Is it very similar to my case? What is this going to cost me? Who exactly will work on the case for me?
Get the budget or estimate in writing (email is fine). Don't be shy about this.
2
Once You Have Retained the Lawyers
Watch who is working on your case. Clients hire the superstars but they are very busy and want the others in their firm to help out and do as much of the work as possible. This is OK up to a point.
Get a budget. If the budget is exceeded then ask why. Don't be a total jerk about this. Things happen. Don't be a complete patsy either. Be sure to read your bills if you are being charged by the hour. Call or write the lawyers within a few weeks of getting the bill. If something is not clear, ask. If the names of the people are not on the bill then ask for the bill to be re-issued with this information. If the time comes when you can't pay the bill then tell the lawyers this and try to negotiate a deal. Don't just ignore the bills as this will not end well!
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