Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting an attorney is an important step in protecting your business or intellectual property. You should do your "due diligence" before signing an engagement letter. Check with the state Bar Association to make sure the lawyer is admitted and in good standing. Try to meet in person and get a sense of whether your communication styles are similar. Does the lawyer take the time to listen to and answer your questions and concerns? Or is he or she brusque, just viewing you as a segment on her timesheet that will add up to another billable hour? Most attorneys should be willing to meet you face-to-face at no cost for a brief introduction. If not, consider whether you really want to be relegated to communicating with your attorney through his or her secretary. If you need a lot of explanations and guidance, it might make sense to engage your lawyer on a fixed-fee basis for a project so you are not billed each time you call or email with a question. What steps are taken to ensure there are no conflicts with other clients? How often will you be billed? What is the hourly rate? Does he or she have experience representing clients in similar matters, or do you get the sense that he or she is bright enough to research a new legal issue or area of law for you? Most importantly, do you feel comfortable that this person will appropriately represent you and maintain all communications in confidence in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct? Please consider these questions carefully before hiring an attorney.