When you hire a lawyer, it’s because you need them to use their expertise to navigate the law in order to accomplish your goals. However, in order to do their job properly, your attorney has needs of you as well. This week we’ll talk about what a few of those needs are, and why they are so important for the success of your case.

The most important thing that I need from my clients is their trust and honesty. I tell each of my clients that there are two people that you need to be completely honest with, your attorney and your doctor. Without trust and honesty, I cannot adequately do my job. If there are bad facts in your case, I need to know them so that I can properly prepare to defend against them. You don’t want the first time your attorney hears about your assault charge to be in the middle of a trial. During your consultation tell your attorney all of the facts both the good and the bad. We’re here to help you, not judge you.

Next is your responsiveness. Your attorney will reach out to you for various reasons. Sometimes it is merely to update you on the status of your case, but other times it is because something important is needed. If you receive an email asking for documents, your signature, or questions pertaining to your case; you need to respond appropriately as soon as you are able. There are times where a case can come to a standstill because a client has gone MIA when something is needed from them.

On the other hand, your attorney also needs space to properly work on your case. If you are calling them every hour on the hour, they won’t have the time they need to do the work necessary for your case. As mentioned above you will need to trust that they are working hard in your favor, even when they are not talking you through each step.

Finally, sometimes your attorney just needs you to listen to their advice. For example, if your attorney advises you to stop communicating with the opposing party in writing, please listen to them. They are not trying to control you; they are trying to keep you from giving the other side evidence to use against you.