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Questions you should ask your lawyer The material below provides general information about dealing with a lawyer, complaints about lawyers and where to find legal help in New South Wales Australia only. Copyright NSW Legal Aid Commission 1999. Is my first appointment free? Some lawyers provide the first appointment free. Ask about this when you make an appointment. What are my options? After you have explained your problem, ask your lawyer to outline your options and how your problem can be solved. If you don't understand something ask the lawyer to explain. Ask about ways to solve your problem without going to court. Is your lawyer experienced in this area of work? Many lawyers specialise in particular areas of law. Ask your lawyer what experience they have had with your type of problem. Find out who will actually be doing the work. Ask to be told if your case is referred to another lawyer in the firm. What are my chances? Ask your lawyer about your chances of success. Discuss what you consider to be a successful result. Take time to think things over. What work will your lawyer be doing? Make sure your lawyer understands what you want to achieve. Ask your lawyer how the work will be done and to explain the steps involved. Also ask your lawyer about how you will be informed of the progress of your case. How long will it take? Ask if anything can be done to speed things up. Ask if there might be delays and how they can be avoided. Is legal aid available? You may be able to get legal aid if you are on a low income. Contact the Legal Aid HelpLine for more information on 1800 806 913. How much will it cost? Shop around and remember you can negotiate. Cost is not the only factor in choosing a lawyer. In most cases your lawyer must advise you in writing how much the work will cost or, if that is not possible, how costs will be calculated. Ask if they will take the case on a 'no win, no fee basis'. Ask what else you might have to pay and if you have to pay anyone else's legal costs if you lose the case. Don't sign any agreement about fees unless you understand it and are happy with it. Tell your lawyer you want to be kept informed about costs as the case progresses. When do I have to pay? In most cases your lawyer must advise you in advance and in writing how and when you will have to pay. You are entitled to receive a detailed bill before you pay. Some lawyers will agree to wait until the matter ends before you pay them. Remember how and when you pay can always be negotiated. What if I have a problem with my bill or my lawyer? You should first try and resolve the problem with your lawyer. You are entitled to have your bill reviewed if you are not happy with it. Contact the NSW Legal Services Commissioner for advice about this or any other problems you are having with your lawyer. For more information contact:
(for general information about Legal Aid, referral and urgent advice) Law Society of NSW Community Assistance Dept (to find a lawyer) (02) 9373 7300 or 1800 357 300 (country callers only) NSW Legal Services Commissioner (for complaints about lawyers) (02) 9377 1800 or 1800 242 958 (country callers only) |
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