Preparing for a Consultation with Your Business Attorney

Posted By Rifkind Patrick LLC || 10-Aug-2017

If you are in need of a business attorney, you want to be certain that you hire the right one to handle your case. Since most attorneys will provide a free consultation, giving you the chance to determine if he or she is the proper fit, it is crucial to prepare for this meeting. Going into this meeting without the right preparation will not be helpful, so make the most of this opportunity by considering some of the following tips:

Finding the right one: Before you even schedule a consultation, you need to find an attorney who seems like the right fit for you. Look for a law firm that focuses on your type of legal questions, or a firm that lists your type of case as an area of practice they frequently handle. If you have used an attorney in the past for a different issue, you can even consider asking for a referral.
Learn some background knowledge: During your consultation, one of your most important questions will be in regards to the attorney’s background. Remember, this consultation is like a job interview, except you are the one doing the hiring. This is a person whose services you are going to pay for and you deserve to have someone who has the expertise necessary to assist you. Ask how long the attorney has been practicing law and if he or she has practiced in your county or area. How many cases like yours has he or she handled? These are important questions to ask.
The legal plan: Another critical question is in regards to the strategy the attorney would use for your case and what outcome he or she expects. No one can foretell the future, but an experienced attorney will be able to provide a general idea of how long your case should take. It is crucial for your attorney’s strategies to align with your needs.
Money matters: Oftentimes, a deciding factor in whether or not you choose to hire an attorney is the question of affordability. During your consultation, ask about legal fees. If different individuals are working on your case, they might all bill different rates, so you need to find out what they are.

While your consultation will allow you to figure out if an attorney is right for you, it is usually not the time to ask in-depth legal questions, so make sure you focus this meeting on choosing the best attorney for your case.

Business Attorneys in Chicago

If you own a business, having skilled legal counsel is imperative for dealing with issues that might arise. At Rifkind Patrick LLC, our Chicago business attorneys have the skill and experience to assist you in navigating your legal concerns.