Here are 8 tips we share with our clients for making their legal representation successful. Active involvement by the client and an understanding of how he or she can help or hinder the process is key to the ultimate success of the representation.

YOUR GOALS – Jot down your goals and send them to your attorney.  As your case progresses, it’s important for you and your attorney to be mindful of them as you make decisions about the direction of your matter and various options proposed.

EMAILS – Be careful not to use email as a source for venting.  Frequent emails to the attorney or paralegal can be costly since you are billed for each email received and sent.  When emailing, keep your message brief and informative.  We suggest you draft your email messages and, before sending, ask yourself if the email helps advance your case or meet the goals you set.

SOCIAL MEDIA – Refrain from any postings to social media or any communication, picture or posting which may harm your case.  Remember, everything you might put “out there” is available to those who would potentially use it against you.

SOCIAL MEDIA RESEARCH – Keep watchful of postings to social media by your opposing party.  Send your attorney any communication or posting helpful to your case.  Your attorney typically does not pursue such evidence on your behalf since most clients do not want to pay attorney fees for the time involved.

COMMUNICATION – Respond timely and thoroughly to your attorney’s requests for information or review of documents.  Remember there may be deadlines that need to be met and your attorney fees increase when more time is spent re-sending requests or following up on incomplete information.

PHONE CALLS – For best results, schedule a phone conference with the attorney or paralegal.  Make a list of the questions or information you want to discuss prior to your call.

PRIVACY – Communication between you and your attorney is privileged and confidential.  Protect your privacy by using a separate email account exclusively for your communications to and from your attorney.  Request a secure link for your use when sending sensitive, confidential or potentially embarrassing information.

TRUTHFULNESS – Remember your attorney is your advocate.  Providing your attorney with complete and truthful information is essential to your attorney’s ability to represent you well.

By: Roberta S. Batley