Facing a court battle can be emotional and stressful, especially the first time. Preparing yourself before walking into a lawyer’s office for an interview can go a long way toward reducing stress.
To ensure you maximize the time, think about and write down your important questions. Remember that the purpose of the interview is to decide whether the lawyer suits your needs, not to get legal advice or solve your legal problems.
Choosing the Right Pickering Personal Injury Lawyers
Finding the right injury lawyers in Pickering will be easier if you book an interview with one whose practice is in tort. If you have retained an attorney previously, you can ask him or her for a recommendation. It can also be helpful to ask your family and friends. Also, an excellent law firm must have a helpful website that you can check before the interview.
It may be uncomfortable or intimidating, but you need to ask the lawyers about their experience. Legal services are expensive and your time is valuable you don’t want to waste them being overly polite or agreeable. You wouldn’t have a motorboat mechanic fix your car.
Questions to ask personal injury lawyers in Pickering:
How long has the lawyer been practicing law in Pickering?
Reasoning: To determine the lawyer’s level of familiarity with the local procedures and judges.
How many injury cases has the lawyer tried? In the past year?
Reasoning: Experience is crucial. One or two cases are not enough.
Has the lawyer you are interviewing, or members of the firm, been recognized as leaders by their peers in personal injury? Are they listed in Lexpert or Best Lawyers in Canada (peer-reviewed organizations)?
Reasoning: The recognition of highly respected third-party institutions confirms excellence.
Are the prospective lawyer and the firm a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers or the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association?
Reasoning: These professional associations advocate for the rights of Ontarians and only accept lawyers “who demonstrate the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.”
Does the prospective lawyer give lectures on personal injury law, insurance law or trial advocacy? Published articles and books on this?
Reasoning: Published work on the subject shows deep expertise and thought leadership.
If a fair resolution for both sides cannot be negotiated, does the lawyer take cases to trial?
Reasoning: To ensure commitment to your case from start to finish.
What are the contingency fees and disbursements?
Reasoning: There are no legal fees unless there is a monetary recovery. Contingency fees usually range between 25% and 40%.
Does the firm have the resources to handle your case from start to finish? Reasoning: Ensuring the firm won’t quit on your case.