If one faces a situation that requires legal guidance, it is always important to ensure that they approach the right kind of lawyer. Hiring a private lawyer, either for legal advice, or for legal representation in a court of law, will be easier if you are aware of the questions that you must ask a lawyer, in advance. Below is a list of questions that you can ask a private lawyer before hiring their services.

1. Area of expertise and years of experience

It is important to understand the area of expertise of the lawyer before hiring them to handle your case. You must also be well aware of the nature of your case. If you are facing criminal allegations, or if you are a victim of a crime and looking for legal clarity, you can approach a criminal lawyer. Similarly, if you are facing marital issues, or require advise regarding your business, you may consult a family lawyer or a business lawyer respectively. A lawyer with a significant amount of experience can also be very helpful in dealing with a legal matter as they are likely to have already dealt with cases similar to yours.

2. Qualification and licenses

In the UAE, it is important to enquire about the license of the lawyer as each type of license denotes specific functions. A lawyer who is licensed as a legal consultant can provide legal advice but cannot represent clients before UAE courts. However, a lawyer who is a licensed advocate has the right to represent clients in the court. You may choose the right lawyer, suitable for your requirements.

3. Communication style

Certain lawyers actively communicate with clients, providing timely updates of the cases, while other lawyers may provide updates at longer intervals. If you are facing a stressful legal situation, you may want to hire a lawyer that is known to have a shorter turn around time with regards to queries and updates.

4. Fees

A lawyer’s fee is dependent on their experience and skill set. It is always wise to enquire about the fees prior to hiring the lawyer, so as to ensure a smooth and long-term lawyer-client relationship.

5. Strategy and potential outcomes

During the initial consultation, you may request the lawyer to lay down the strategies that he plans for the case. Legal issues can be dealt in various ways, requiring different resources and produces different outcomes. It is also important to enquire about all the potential outcomes expected in the case, so as to understand whether these outcomes are in line with your expectations and interests.

6. Timeline

In case of formal legal proceedings, you may enquire the estimated timeline with regard to your case. Different types of cases require different amounts of time to reach a resolution. Understanding the expected time period may help you plan other related matters.

Conclusion 

A structural approach to legal consultations can result in a smoother legal process. Individuals can also take informed decisions and minimize unpleasant surprises in the future.