Your Attorney Needs You

Communication with your attorney is the key to a successful litigation outcome. The following are some tips to follow that will help your attorney to be a more effective advocate on your behalf. These tips will not only save you time and money, but will also certainly result in a more positive outcome for you in your case.

1. Follow your attorney’s instructions carefully. When your lawyer provides you with any instructions, be sure to follow them specifically. At some point, your attorney will ask you to provide written answers and/or documents that are relevant to the litigation. It is important that you follow your attorney’s directions and ask questions when you have them.

2. Do not withhold anything from your attorney. Understand that conversations between you and your lawyer are confidential and subject to the attorney-client privilege. Only you can waive that privilege. You should be candid and honest with your attorney at all times. This will ensure that your attorney will have all of the necessary information to help you succeed.

3. Keep your lawyer informed of your schedule. You will be required from time to time to meet with your attorney, respond to document requests, attend court hearings, mediations, and settlement conferences. Your lawyer must know your schedule to be able to provide your availability at a moment’s notice.

4. Be accessible to your attorney. If you are unavailable, return your attorney’s call as soon as possible. He or she is contacting you because it is important. Also, many attorneys utilize e-mail correspondence for client communication and to provide clients with certain documents quickly. Check your e-mail account regularly.

These tips will help you and your attorney become more successful and increase the chances of winning your case.

Gregory R. Grant is an attorney in our Traverse City office where he concentrates his practice on litigation, municipal law, and employment and labor law. He can be reached at (231) 922-1888 or at ggrant@cmda-law.com.