When you open your own business, the last thing you are likely thinking about is being sued by a competitor, customer or supplier. Sadly, many business owners don’t consider hiring a Business Litigation Attorney in San Diego until they find that they are being sued and this may be too late. When you put this task off, you may find you are rushed and are forced to make a quick judgment, one that might not be in your best interests. Here are some questions to ask when hiring a Business Litigation Attorney in San Diego, no matter when you are hiring them.
- What types of cases have you handled in the past and how were they similar to mine? You need an attorney who is familiar with the type of charges you are facing as he or she will have a better understanding of the issues and how best to defend against them.
- When evaluating my case, what do you believe are the strengths and what are the weaknesses? The goal will be to emphasize the strengths of the case while downplaying the weaknesses or finding a way to address them so they don’t seem as critical. Every case will have good and bad aspects. The key is finding a lawyer who knows how to address each in a way that is helpful to you.
- Should we proceed to court or would it be best to settle before it gets to that stage? You’ll find that you have a number of options, in many cases, and an experienced attorney can help you determine which is best for you.
- How can I expect to be billed? Often, you will be asked to pay a retainer and then you will be billed by the hour. Other cases though may be taken on a contingency basis, which means you pay a percentage of any money awarded to you by the court. Typically, this depends on the type of case, rather than on the attorney selected.
Never try to take on a case without legal representation when it involves your business. Your livelihood and future are at stake and you don’t want to take on more risk than you should. An experienced business litigation attorney can be of great assistance in helping your resolve the matter with the best possible outcome for you.
