Be dead honest with your lawyer.
Lawyers are unable to access the extent of your matter if you do not provide a full disclosure of what is involved. This means to also provide as much details and documents relating to the matter.
Discuss legal fees upfront to prevent future disputes.
Lawyers should be able to estimate the amount of work involved and give you a proper fee structure. Inform the lawyer of any budgetary constraint or timing issues.
It is very rare to achieve a 100% win scenario.
Each matter varies and the outcome is not up to the lawyer. It is important to have realistic expectations of what your lawyers can do.
Always keep an open communication with your lawyer so that both of you can manage the time spent. Focus on the essential facts and information, so you don’t spend time communicating about issues that are not vital for your matter.
You may discharge a lawyer and choose to work with another if you settle outstanding fees with the existing lawyer first. Sometimes the lawyers require that you settle the outstanding before he can release the documents to the next lawyer.
This article is written by Adrian Mah from Asia Law Network.
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.