Chances are good you will need a lawyer. When that day comes, do you know how to choose one? Will you know what to say? Most people do not. It is not surprising that a client's main complaint is that their lawyer does not listen to them. Stop this problem before it starts. Learn how to find the best lawyer and communicate effectively with them. "If only I had been armed with this valuable information before hiring an attorney!" DenverGirl 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS FIND AN ATTORNEY -Picking the right lawyer -Determine your needs -Initial contact -Reflect on the call -Due diligence THE INITIAL APPOINTMENT -Be prepared -First impression -Ask questions -Listen how they talk -Intimidation factor -Trust your instincts -Take a friend -The waiting room -A revolving door THE HIRING PROCESS -Discuss your expectations -Client Constitution -Business owners -Level of involvement -Fee agreement BE A MODEL CLIENT -Client responsibilities -Respect staff -Assist the attorney -Inside an attorney's mind -Get your point across -Confidence builders -Control or manipulation? END THE RELATIONSHIP -Talk with them -Timing is everything -Attorney inaction -Get a second opinion -Contact bar association -Personal reasons -Drop or postpone? -You are entitled to your file -Monies due to you -Arbitration -When to report an attorney -Filing a grievance TO DO LIST -Devil is in the details -Keep a diary -Contact list -Record your impressions -Calendar future dates -Track loss of income -Keep all receipts -Track communication -Basic communication rules -Tracking e-mails -Mass produce letters -Get to the point -Allow time to reply -Take it to the next level -Keep your eyes on the prize THE BASICS -Statute of limitations -Be prepared for anything -No insurance -Realistic timeline -Wait to order records -Judge versus jury -Awards vary by state -Attorney fees -Handling life changes -No comparison -The mouth that roared -Civil and criminal case RESEARCH OPTIONS -Background check -Corporate affiliations -Real estate ownership -Renter's insurance -Social media -Case information -Back-up plan -Insurance problems -Save your breath -Check the facts PERSONAL SELF CARE -Accept help from others -Sense of humor -Focus on positive things -Be good to your body -Therapy can help -Full disclosure -Healing with hypnosis -Medical assistants -Similar situations -Regain your power -Help others -The "Bigger Picture" LEGAL TERMS * * * "A fantastic guide for clients to understand their lawyers and to understand how best to utilize legal services, proactively. She obviously understands lawyers, clients, and the legal profession well and provides concrete, practical steps for clients to take when facing a legal issue." Susan Daicoff, Law Professor at Arizona Summit Law School "I was actively engaged in the practice of law for nearly 20 years. I have seen firsthand the chaos that ensues when the attorney/client relationship is based upon misconceptions and erroneous expectations. This book is a clear and concise blueprint to guide the potential client through the anxieties of engaging the right legal counsel." BJC * * * To further help both client and attorney, there are Companion Workbooks. Take advantage of what this book has to offer, get your copy now and Be A Smart Client!