Attorney Interview

Free education: Tips for the Interview

You have made the painful decision to file for divorce. You’re at a loss as to how to move forward with this decision. We recommend that you personally interview an attorney with intentional questions that will educate you to know the specific philosophy and goals of a prospective law firm. The right attorney choice will make a huge difference in the ultimate outcome of your case. Think of your divorce attorney as your advocate, your trusted advisor, your negotiator and your guide through the divorce process.

So let’s get practical. How do you schedule an attorney interview and then, once you have an appointment, how do you know how to ask the right questions? Look at the 9 items below to navigate this process:

  1. Look on the internet or get several referrals to find the best family law attorneys in your area.
  2. Investigate the attorneys online. Look on the individual legal websites to educate yourself about the process of divorce.
  3. Look for reviews of what others are saying about a family law firm: avvo, findlaw, yelp, superpages, yellow pages etc. Check out client referral comments on the legal website.
  4. Go to the State Bar Website and look up the attorneys you are considering. Make sure that their membership is current.
  5. Call and set up a consultation appointment to interview firms. Ask/observe:
    1. Do they listen well?
    2. Do they show compassion when you tell your story?
    3. What is their strategy/approach to help you?
    4. What is their legal experience in the family law field?
    5. Are they personal in their approach to each client?
    6. Do they attend ongoing legal education to keep up with the changes in the law?
    7. Do the attorneys have any special skills or certifications?
    8. What percentage of the caseload is dedicated to handling your type of legal problem?
    9. Does the firm have the experience to be comfortable if a case goes to trial?
  6. Billing:
    1. How often will you be billed?
    2. What are the firm fees and how are they structured?
    3. What additional costs may be involved in addition to lawyer fees (postage, filing fees, copy fees, etc.)?
    4. Who else would be working on your case and what are their rates?
  7. Does the firm have a written fee agreement or representation agreement?
  8. How will the firm inform you of developments in your case?
  9. Is the firm comfortable with questions you have about the law related to your case?

At the Law Office of Robert Kochis, we strive to focus on family law expertise, staff teamwork, communication, and a personal dedication to clients. Feel free to ask us any of the questions in the article above when you consider who to choose to represent you in divorce. Click the button below to schedule a consultation: