The Value of an Initial Consultation—and the Realization that Sometimes Hiring a Lawyer is Not Always the Best Answer

When it comes to situations where you think you might need legal representation, sometimes hiring a lawyer is not always the answer.  However, sometimes it takes an initial consultation with an experienced lawyer to make the threshold determination of whether legal representation is necessary and/or the best course of action.

 For example, a number of factors can influence a decision to engage or not engage legal representation to pursue legal rights in litigation.  Some simple factors to consider are the amounts in dispute, the probability of success on the legal merits of the case, and the timelines to take a civil matter from filing the initial complaint through to trial (currently running almost two years in King County Superior Court).   Less obvious factors to consider include the long term relationships between the parties involved, possible counterclaims or third party claims that are out of the client’s control, and what the client would consider a ‘win’ at the end of the day when the litigation, including exhausting the appeals process, is over.

 It is usually during the initial consultation in which an experienced lawyer can determine what is in the best interest of the individual or corporation.  Oftentimes, individuals are surprised to learn that a lawyer would recommend anything other than engaging their services—but despite what popular media portrays, ‘lawyering up’ is not always the best course of action.  In most situations, initial consultations are either free of charge, at a reduced rate, or charged only upon the lawyer’s retention.  Of course talking to the right lawyer, with the right type of experience, is the essential first step to determining whether you need a lawyer to pursue your legal rights.

 Please call the lawyers at Beresford Booth at (425) 776-4100 if you would like to discuss your legal options.