As A Florida Licensed Contractor, You Will Want To Ensure You Have The Right Legal Protection At The Right Cost

When it comes to protecting your Florida Contracting Business from lawsuits or general legal matters, it is imperative that your legal team is on the same page with you in terms of goals, finances & fees.

Today we’re going to talk about 10 things you should consider when you’re hiring a construction lawyer — let’s get started.

First – Are you qualified to handle my case?

When choosing an attorney to handle your case, you should first check their credentials and if they are Board Certified in their field. You should also make sure that they have written articles about the topic that you expect them to work on.

Second – How will you be paid?

Before you hire a construction lawyer, it’s important that you have a good understanding of how they will be paid. This will allow you to make informed decisions and avoid surprises.

Third – Who in your office will handle my case?

Have a conversation very early on with the attorney as to who is going to do the work on the file.  Is it going to be the attorney that you met with?  Is it going to be one of his partners, or associates?  It’s critical that you have an understanding of who is going to be working on the file because the relationship with an attorney is very personal and you want to make sure that the attorney performing the work is up to your standards.

Fourth – Are your fees negotiable?

If your attorney’s fee is hourly, you should be aware of the details of the arrangement. Also, be willing to negotiate.

Fifth – What costs will I incur to prosecute my case?

Expenses can add up in a legal proceeding, and they can include everything from copies to expert witnesses. Having a clear understanding of these costs should help you make informed decisions when it comes to your case.

Sixth – What information is on your bill?

Your attorney’s bills can be hard to understand, so ask them to explain it to you. They should include specific information or formats so that you can understand them. Some of the information that you should see on a bill include a description of the task, the time and cost associated with the task, and the date that the task was completed.

Seventh – What if I have a question about my bill?

Some clients believe that asking too many questions about their attorney’s bill will reduce their chances of getting the proper representation. This is not the case, and your attorney will be more thorough in making sure that the information they provide is correct.

Eight – Do you have malpractice insurance?

Before you hire an attorney, make sure that they have insurance. If something should go wrong in your case, the attorney is liable for the damages. Without malpractice insurance, it will be hard for you to recover from them.

Ninth – Will you represent me well?

Your relationship with an attorney is very personal, and it’s important that you choose a lawyer who can properly represent you both in and out of court.

Tenth – Should I keep copies of the records I send you?

If you are considering changing your legal counsel, you must first inform them that you are dissatisfied with their services. Then, you can transfer their files to another lawyer. In addition, you must also make sure that you have all of the records related to your attorney’s work. Since attorneys can assert a retaining and charging lien if they are not paid, they will not have to return your files. Having these records can help minimize the weight of the lien that your attorney files.

The most important thing that you should consider when it comes to choosing an attorney is trust. If you do not trust the one that you have, then it may be time to consider getting another attorney.

If you have any questions or comments, please share them with us.  We have a vast network of resources and people we can recommend and help with you such matters.   We also can help you get your contractor’s license. As a contractor licensing company, we have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license, and we want to help you too. First, you provide us with some basic information on your skills, background, testing, education, and other information. Then, we will fill out all the paperwork, let you know if you are missing anything, finish up the application, and submit it to the Board on your behalf to get you approved.

To get your contractor license, click our Florida contractor’s license page to learn more and get started with us or call 239-777-1028.