Almost every day someone calls to ask this question.  You can probably guess the answer we most often give:  “It depends.”  If you have enough doubts or questions about your situation to ask this question, you should ask for an initial consultation with an attorney.  Depending on the type of case, an initial consultation in our office may be free or cost less than $100.  We are happy to meet you and talk about your legal problem.  

    Remember that the value of an attorney is to help you apply the law to your specific situation.  Although we attorneys would like to think that our skills would allow us to take any case and win it or to handle any transaction seamlessly and with excellent results, the reality is that the outcome is never guaranteed.  Sometimes we can be pretty sure of an outcome because it is the same as another case that has already been decided.  But in this world there are hardly ever two situations exactly the same!  Of course there are differences in lawyers, but first get a lawyer.  One day someone should do a study on the effect of the choice of lawyer on the outcome of a case--the results would be of great interest to many people.  Usually pro se litigants (people who represent themselves without a lawyer) have much worse outcomes than people with lawyers of any skill level.  It makes sense to hire an attorney with experience in similar cases.

    Before we meet with you, we will ask you the names of all the persons involved so that we can rule out any potential conflict of interest.  Your consultation is absolutely confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you do not ultimately hire the attorney to work on your case.  During the initial consultation the attorney will discuss your legal questions, the possible courses of action you could take, and the costs involved in your case.  Sometimes we can tell you general cost information on the telephone and our office doesn’t hesitate to do so if we are able.  We don’t want to waste your time or ours.  Based on our years of experience, we can usually give you a general range of what the cost of the case may be.  

    Sometimes you should “shop” lawyers to find one that you can work with and afford.   There is no harm in making several appointments for initial consultations before you make a decision.  There are also times when things don’t click and the lawyer may ask to withdraw or the client may ask to terminate the representation so he/she can get another lawyer.  

    Good luck in your search.