What You Should Expect From Your Lawyer
Most people have questions when they go to a lawyer for the first time. So what can you expect from your consultation?
At the consultation, you asked many questions and felt reassured by the manner of a Tampa criminal attorney, experience and expertise. After the talk, you knew you’d found a lawyer to help you deal with the legal matter that’s been keeping you up at night. But you still feel uncertain about the legal services you’re obtaining—what exactly can you expect from your new lawyer?
It’s common to have questions and concerns about the legal process you’re about to undergo and what you can expect from the attorney-client relationship. Unless you’re an experienced veteran of the legal system, you’ll have many questions you’ll want to answer, if only for your peace of mind.
What You Can Expect from Your Attorney
While every lawyer is different—for example, lawyers charge additional fees and work with clients and on cases in different ways—there are some basic things that you can expect from the lawyer you’ve hired.
When you work with a lawyer, communication is critical. Your lawyer should explain the legal issues involved in your case and answer any questions you have. It’s important to ask questions whenever something is unclear. You should also expect your lawyer to keep you updated on your case and discuss the different options available to you. With good communication, you and your lawyer can work together to make the best decisions for your case.
If you have any questions, you must ask your lawyer. This way, you can be sure to have all the information you need to make crucial decisions about your case. Your lawyer should respond to your communications on time, but remember that they are also handling other matters. If you don’t receive a reply immediately, be sure to get an idea of when you can expect a response.
Your lawyer needs to answer your legal questions and provide advice about your case. In addition, they should keep you informed on the progress of your case, including any new developments that occur and any delays which may develop. They should also discuss with you the options open to you, as well as the probable outcomes and potential setbacks associated with each option, to equip you with the information you need to make the crucial decisions about your case.
Attorney Ethics
When you hire a lawyer, they have many obligations to you as their client. These obligations include:
- Maintaining attorney-client privilege means that everything you discuss with your lawyer is confidential.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest: Your lawyer cannot also represent someone whose claims conflict with yours regarding the legal matter for which you’ve hired your lawyer.
- Staying within the law: Your attorney cannot do anything illegal to further your case.
- Providing competent representation means that your lawyer will act professionally and competently on your behalf.
Competent Representation
When you hire a lawyer, they must provide you with competent representation. This means that if your case is complex or in an area of law, your lawyer is not experienced in, they should refer you to another attorney who can help. If you find yourself in the hands of an incompetent lawyer, they may make mistakes that a reasonably competent lawyer would not make. If these mistakes cause you damage, you may be able to pursue a claim against your lawyer for malpractice. Incompetent behavior can come in the form of procedural errors or ethical violations.
Final Thoughts
If you have any questions about what you can expect from your lawyer or are concerned that your lawyer is not meeting your expectations, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your lawyer. If you’re still unsatisfied after speaking with your lawyer, you may consider finding a new one. Remember that ethical obligations bind lawyers, so if you believe your lawyer has acted unethically, you can report them to the appropriate authorities.
When choosing an attorney, be sure to ask about their experience and whether they have handled cases similar to yours in the past. It would be best if you also asked about their communication style and how often they will keep you updated on the progress of your case.