FAQs
Choose a question:
- How do I choose a laywer?
- Do I have to pay your Firm any money to start my case?
- Who pays the expenses of litigation?
- Will I have to attend court hearings?
- If I've never been to court. What should I expect?
- How can I help my lawyers?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- Who decides when and whether to settle or go to trial?
How do I choose a lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer, a prospective client should research the firm he or she is considering hiring. Ask for information about the lawyer's education, training and experience, and ask the lawyer to tell you about his/her experience dealing with cases similar to yours. Be sure you understand how you will pay the lawyer's fee and costs at the end of the case. Ask about the possible adverse consequences that may occur if your case is lost.
Do I have to pay your Firm any money to start my case?
The answer varies depending upon the type of case. Some cases are based on a contingent fee contract, which means that you are not obligated to pay any attorneys' fees or costs unless and until there is a settlement, verdict at trial or arbitration award in your case. Other matters are billed on an hourly basis and may require a retainer.
Who pays the expenses of litigation?
When you retain an attorney on a contingent fee basis, the attorney advances all of the expenses of litigation, and the client is responsible for such costs only if the case is successful. When the case reaches a successful conclusion, the costs expended are returned to the firm out of the recovery you receive. Hourly cases require that the client pay the expenses on an ongoing basis.
Will I have to attend court hearings?
Possibly. Most court hearings will not require the attendance of you or the opposing party. However, you may be required to testify at an evidentiary hearing during the case and, if the case goes to trial, you will be required to attend and testify at the trial.
If I've never been to court. What should I expect?
A good law firm will prepare every case as if a jury will ultimately decide it in a courtroom. By the time your case is ready for trial, you will have spent a great deal of time with your lawyers and staff so that you will know what to expect and what to do in the event that your case goes to trial.
How can I help my lawyers?
The most important thing that you can do to assist in the prosecution of your case is to tell your lawyers all of the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. It is important to tell your lawyers everything, including those facts that may not support your case.
It is also very important that you talk only with your lawyers, and that you not discuss the case with anyone else. If you receive phone calls from insurance companies, investigators, other attorneys, or anyone else asking about your case, do not provide those persons with any information; instead, immediately call your lawyer.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
All resources are used to bring cases to conclusion as quickly as possible, while also taking care that all cases are fully and properly prepared. Although a small percentage of cases may resolve in a few months, it may take several years for a case to reach a conclusion. The time required varies based on the type of case (for example, personal injury cases are usually resolved in shorter periods than class actions or medical malpractice cases), the number of parties involved, the complexity of the investigation process, the number of depositions, and the schedules of expert witnesses and judges.
Who decides when and whether to settle or go to trial?
You, the client, make all decisions concerning when and whether to settle or go trial. We, as your lawyers, will give you our opinion and a recommendation based on our experience and knowledge of your case, but the ultimate decision will be yours
