How Long Will My Case Take?
How quickly your case may be resolved will depend on the type of case and where your case will be heard. Housing and eviction cases by nature move fairly quickly whereas as some divorce cases can last several months or more. Keep in mind that some courts are still dealing with the backlog created during the pandemic. If resolving your case in a timely manner is important to you, make sure you have an attorney that can help you cross the finish line sooner rather than later.
Why Is Having A Consultation Appointment Before Hiring Important?
A consultation appointment is very important before the attorney-client relationship is formed. Think of it as an interview. Make sure you are comfortable with the attorney and that a plan of action is clearly laid out for you. If you walk away feeling unsure or uncomfortable, you may want to reconsider hiring that attorney. Likewise, a consultation gives an attorney the opportunity to understand your case better, which in turn can give an attorney a better idea about how to best advise you to resolve your case.
Does What I Wear To Court Really Matter?
The short answer: yes! Growing up you may have learned not to judge a book by its cover, but many people still do. You want to give the court the best impression of you so the focus is on your case, not other factors.
What Can I Do To Prepare For My First Meeting?
Bring along all the paperwork, materials and any other information you may have regarding your case. It may be helpful to make a written outline or prepare a note describing your legal issue(s) and any questions you may have for us. Do not discuss your case with anyone or give statements before consulting an attorney.
What Will Be Required From Me If I Hire An Attorney?
Apart from timely paying an attorney for representation, your consistent cooperation will be required for a fruitful attorney-client relationship. This involves always being honest and forthcoming with your lawyer, timely providing your lawyer with all requested documentation, promptly replying to your lawyer’s phone calls and emails, checking your voicemail and emails regularly each day, keeping your case documents organized, abiding by all deadlines set by your lawyer, respecting your lawyer’s advice, keeping confidential your case details and communications with your lawyer, treating your lawyer and all involved in your dispute with respect and politeness, and abiding by the law so as to not exacerbate your case.
You might need to spend several hours each week working collaboratively with your lawyer on your legal matter, so be prepared and available. A good client is just as important as a good lawyer, and a good attorney-client team can be quite productive.
