To Remember For Any Method

If you have a $10,000 dollar case an attorney who normally handles $100,000 will have a completely different quality level the vast majority of the time on your case.   This applies to referrals if you do get a referral to the best divorce lawyer in town the $10,000 retainer won’t cover nearly as much as $10,000 at a lawyer with a $2000 retainer. The best lawyer will have a much more intensive style of trying the case than one charging a retainer of a fifth as much. Running out of money in the middle of a case frequently is worse than not starting at all.

In interviewing attorneys remember the following phrases and the translations.

“Well if she thinks she can get you that then go with her.” = “You’re an idiot and the other lawyer is about to take you for a ride and then dump you when the retainer runs out.”

“I need the cost deposit before I start.” = “I’m strict about finances and run like a business”.

“You’d be entitled to more than that at trial.” = “ Only in my most optimistic frame of mind that I magically slip into only at initial interviews.”

“You should take that offer”=”Why are you even considering paying me I can’t do better”.

“I insist on payment up front and I will withdraw if not paid” = “ I’m good enough at my craft to afford to walk away from deadbeats”.

Remember if one attorney promises more make them say why the other lawyer is wrong and how much it will cost to get it. An attorney who is young can be very good and eager to get the business. An attorney who is old should not be eager to get the business if any good and you’re not a publically traded company. Ask about research. It’s a necessity for a lot of cases and can win or lose it, but you’re right it can be a way to overcharge clients, though meetings are used much more for that. Insist they perform research on tough questions and carbon copy you any reports. Then ask for a discount of %20 or so. This lets the attorney know you take the craft seriously and you also know that research can be abused.