Working With Your Lawyer
by
Attorney Joseph L. Matthews
Here are a few ways you can help your lawyer with your lawsuit -- and increase your chances of success in court.
The relationship between lawyer and client often comes under considerable strain during the long course of a lawsuit, and how well you and your lawyer manage that relationship can significantly affect your litigation experience. A good working relationship can increase the odds of a positive outcome -- and reduce your anxiety considerably.
There are many things a good lawyer should do to keep your relationship on the right track, such as informing you of important developments in the case, including you in the decision-making process, and preparing you for important lawsuit events, like testifying in court or answering questions in a deposition. (For more on what your lawyer should be doing for you, see What You Should Expect From a Lawyer.)
There are also some things you can do to help your lawyer advocate more effectively on your behalf. Following these tips will save you time and money -- and may lead to a more successful result in your lawsuit.
Keep your lawyer informed. As soon as you hire a lawyer, tell the lawyer everything that might pertain to the dispute. Hand over any documents or other items that might be relevant. If you aren't sure whether a particular fact is important, err on the side of full disclosure. Lawyers are trained to sift through information and determine what is useful and what is not. Your lawyer might be able to use a fact or document you thought was insignificant as the basis for a creative legal argument. And if the information might harm your case, the lawyer will have plenty of time to prepare defensive maneuvers.
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