When you
select a lawyer, you should take certain steps to ensure a
smooth working relationship and avoid unnecessary costs and
effort. As a client, you should:
Tell
the truth and disclose all known facts about your legal
matter, even those facts that you think are damaging to
your case. A lawyer cannot effectively represent you unless
you relate all of the facts involved in your case.
Bring
copies of all documents, letters and other correspondence
relating to your legal matter when you meet with your lawyer.
Provide your lawyer with a list of all names, addresses,
and telephone numbers of persons involved in the case. These
steps will avoid unnecessary delays.
Ask
your lawyer to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your
case. Ask your lawyer what outcome, or outcomes, you can
reasonably expect from your case.
Take
your lawyers’ advice seriously. Your lawyer is a professional.
Keep
your lawyer fully informed about new developments in your
case. Save all documents relating to your case and provide
copies to your lawyer on a timely basis. Do not let your
lawyer be surprised later by a disclosure you should have
made earlier.
Ask
your lawyer to keep you fully informed about new developments
relating to your case. Request that copies of all documents
and correspondence prepared on your behalf by your lawyer
be sent to you.
If
you do not understand something that your lawyer says, ask
for an explanation. Ask until the answer makes sense. Let
the attorney know if you don’t understand.
If
you need help or answers to questions that may affect yourself,
your family, or others, please ask.
Copyright
2006 MicroSolutions,
Inc.