Hiring an attorney in Michigan, what you should expect.

What You Should Expect When Hiring an Attorney in Michigan

When it comes to hiring an attorney in Michigan, one of the most frequently asked questions I get when meeting people is, "What should I expect when I hire a lawyer?

You are hiring a lawyer to work for you as your advocate or adviser. You should expect your lawyer to:

� confer with you to pinpoint the problem

� advise you of your rights and responsibilities

� be candid with you about your problem, your prospects for success, the time it will take and the advisability of accepting any settlement offered

� research and analyze all available facts and information relating to your problem

� represent your interests - in and out of court

� prepare appropriate legal documents

� prepare legal arguments for presentation in court, if litigation is involved

� negotiate a settlement (when possible and advisable)

� act with reasonable diligence and promptness

� keep you reasonably informed about the status of your case

� return your telephone calls and answer your questions or concerns

� discuss courses of action, alternatives or consequences

� follow your decisions, after advising you of possible actions to take

� discuss fees with you at your first visit, and reach an agreement confirming specific arrangements

� hold in confidence your confidential communications

� exhibit the highest degree of ethical conduct

If you don't feel comfortable, you should look a little further before making your final decision.