Manhattan has countless commercial litigation law firms, so how do you separate the good from the bad and make an informed decision? The process starts with knowing what questions to ask. These questions can help you identify a firm’s strengths and weaknesses, letting you proceed with confidence that you’ve made the right choice.
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Commercial and business litigation encompasses many legal issues, from intellectual property disputes and breach of contract claims to instances of alleged fraud and employment law questions. These are highly technical fields within the legal industry, so relevant experience matters when choosing a litigation attorney. A lawyer with experience handling cases similar to yours will know the relevant laws, some potential strategies to help you win, and the legal pitfalls to avoid.
How will you communicate with me throughout the case?
Clear, consistent communication is crucial in any legal dispute. You need to know that your lawyer will keep you updated and that you can reach them whenever you have questions or concerns. It’s fair to ask whether you’ll communicate with your legal team directly or through someone like a paralegal. If an attorney’s approach to client communication doesn’t meet your needs, consider hiring someone else.
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Some law firms take an aggressive approach to litigation, while others prefer mediation or a settlement when possible. Neither approach is inherently wrong, but it’s crucial to choose a law firm with a strategy that aligns with your goals. If you’re ready to take your case to trial, a law firm that prefers a less aggressive approach may not be the one for you, and vice-versa.
What are your fees, and how are they structured?
The right law firm for your case isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—or the cheapest. You want a clear picture of your chosen firm’s fee structure before hiring them. Some firms charge by the hour, while others charge flat rates for certain services or work on a contingency basis (which means they don’t get paid unless you win and their payment comes from the compensation you receive). You should ask about filing fees, administrative fees, and other miscellaneous expenses. Beware of firms that seem hesitant to fully explain their fee structure, as hiring them could backfire and cost you more than you’re prepared to pay.
Who will be working on my case?
The attorney you meet with before hiring a firm might not be the one who handles your case. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you want to know who you’ll be working with and what their qualifications are. If you have a complex legal issue, you don’t want a first-year lawyer or a paralegal handling your case, for example. It’s also crucial to know if a single attorney will handle your case or if you’ll be working with a legal team, which can complicate matters.
How long do you expect my case to take?
Many factors influence the timeline of a legal case, but you want some idea of how long it might last. Ask whoever you meet how long they expect each phase of the case to last and what complications might occur along the way. This information can help you know what to expect as your case progresses.
Contact Our Manhattan Commercial Litigation Lawyers Now
The New York commercial litigation attorneys at Levy Goldenberg LLP are happy to explain how we operate and what you get when you hire our firm. We’re proud of our achievements and have experience with a wide range of commercial litigation issues. Call us today or complete our contact form for a consultation.