What to know about working with your lawyer in Canada
Much like working with an accountant, working with a lawyer is a collaborative venture. The more information you provide to your lawyer, the better they can perform in the courtroom. Simple, subtle little instances surrounding a case can change the whole landscape of how you can be defended. In civil suits, the seemingly mundane make or break some claims. Not necessarily if you plucked your eyebrows that morning, but other little things like the time of day, the atmosphere, and other details can affect a suit. Among those, here are some things you should know about working with a lawyer.
Their time is precious. Lawyers have caseloads. If they did not, they would probably go bankrupt. Be respectful of their time and the scheduled consultation appointments. If you cannot make one for whatever reason, politely call ahead and request a new time that would work out better for the both of you. Simple courtesy goes a long way.
If they ask, give it to them. Many times, a lawyer might need records or assorted documents for the case. They could be dead ends or they could be the details that add case-changing elements. Either way, if they ask for something, do your best to get it to them as quickly as possible. The longer they have to examine the files and decide their pertinence to the case, the better.
If they have not asked and it seems pressing, give that to them too. Lawyers are human and may forget to ask for something relating to the case that you feel “should be mentioned”. Why not mention them? Much like a doctor, who cannot read your mind about your knee pain, lawyers do not know “everything”. Waiting for them to ask about a related piece of info is counterproductive when you can just tell them and let them include or exclude it. If the information pertains to deviant or illegal behavior, remember your client/attorney privilege.
Follow their advice. Lawyers have copious amounts of experience in the courtroom, or at least more than you do (hopefully). At times, they may request that you dress or act a certain way during proceedings. Take their advice. Courtrooms are rich in procedure and appearances (the robes should give that away). The element of respect and dress code may be at a strange level inside the courtroom, but it should be followed. If your lawyer takes the time to ask you to do something in a specific way, take the time to follow their advice.
Finally, remember that they are working for you. This does not mean be a bossy jerk, more that the two of you are on the same team. You share the same goals. If the attorney offers you a plea deal or settlement, they are not trying to swindle you; they are presenting the option they feel is the best deal you are going to get. Hear them out. It may seem unreasonable and maybe it is, but most likely, the deal is fair and probably the outcome that would have happened anyway with a long trial. Heed their advice!
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