Frequently Asked Questions
The Marin County Bar Association provides a number of services
for members of the general public. This web site has been
designed to help you quickly find the answers to the most
common questions we receive from the public. However, if you
have other questions or need additional information, please
feel free to contact us directly.
Q: How do I find a lawyer?
A: Search our attorney directory.
Q: How will I know which lawyer is best for me and what
questions should I ask?
Before you meet with a lawyer, you may want to do some "comparison
shopping." If so, make a list of several lawyers. Telephone
each lawyer on your list and ask for information that will
help you make a decision. Some lawyers, however, may want
to meet briefly with you instead of discussing your problem
on the telephone. You may want to ask how much experience
the lawyers have had with problems like yours and how recently
they handled a similar case.
Ask the lawyers if they will charge to meet with you to
discuss your case before you decide which lawyer to hire.
If there is a fee, ask how much it will be. In any case, lawyers
have commitments to clients, so you should not expect a long
first meeting; 15 minutes to a half-hour is average.
Write down everything you learn from each lawyer. Take some
time to think things over. Then make an appointment to talk
further with the lawyer who seems best for you.
Should you hire the lawyer? That depends on how you feel
after your first meeting with the lawyer. Before the meeting,
make notes about your problem so that you can easily go over
the important points with the lawyer. Bring the names, addresses
and telephone numbers of everyone connected with your case.
You also should bring all papers involved in your case. Some
lawyers may ask to see the papers before the meeting.
Ask to hear about cases like yours that the lawyer may have
handled. Remember: Age may have nothing to do with the lawyer's
ability to help you. A lawyer who has practiced 20 years may
have less experience with your type of problem than a lawyer
who is three years out of law school.
You may want to ask if the lawyer will work on your case
personally. If the lawyer intends to have another member of
the law firm handle all or part of your case, you may want
to talk with the second lawyer, too. You should know that
most lawsuits and other legal work are not "sure things."
You should be cautious of an attorney who guarantees results.
However, a lawyer will be able to tell you the strengths and
weaknesses of your case.
If you do not understand everything the lawyer tells you,
ask for an explanation in simpler language. Find out about
how long the lawyer expects your case might take, what steps
will be involved and how you will be charged. You can decide
to hire the lawyer at your first meeting, or you can take
time to think about it. You might want to ask yourself these
questions:
- Will you be comfortable working closely with the lawyer?
- Do you believe the lawyer has the experience and skill
to handle your case?
- Do you understand the lawyer's explanation of what your
case involves?
- Does the fee seem reasonable?
If your answer to one or more of these questions is "no,"
you probably should talk with another lawyer. If all your
answers are "yes," you may have found the right
lawyer for you.
Q. What can I do if my lawyer's bill seems to high?
A. Say so. Sometimes, a lot of hassle can be prevented if
you and your lawyer talk things over. Ask you lawyer to explain
why the bill is higher than you expected. You may find out
the case was more complicated and took more time than you
realized. Or the lawyer may agree that a mistake was made
in the bill.
If this does not work out, you can take the dispute to court
— or to arbitration.
Q: What should I do if I'm having a fee dispute with my
attorney?
A: Review our fee arbitration
program.
Q: How do I find out if an attorney is still practicing
law (and where) in California?
A: Search the State
Bar's member page.
Q: How do I file a complaint against my attorney?
A: The Marin County Bar Association has no authority to discipline
attorneys. Call the State Bar's Complaint Hotline at 1 (800)
843-9053 to find out how to file a complaint against an attorney.
If you believe that your lawyer acted unethically, you should
file a complaint. The complaint form should be mailed to the
State Bar at the address indicated. Be sure to follow the
instructions.
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