What Should I Tell My Lawyer?
When talking with your lawyer, it's important to understand what information to disclose and what to keep to yourself. Lawyers are bound by strict ethical codes, and they must keep client information confidential. However, disclosing certain information can help your lawyer build a stronger case or provide better advice.
Here are some guidelines for what you should tell your lawyer and what you shouldn't:
What You Should Tell Your Lawyer:
The Truth: It may seem obvious, but it's crucial to be honest with your lawyer. Disclose all relevant facts, even if they may not reflect positively on you or your case. Your lawyer needs to know the whole truth to properly represent you.
Your Goals: Be clear about what you hope to achieve by seeking legal representation. Do you want to settle out of court or go to trial? Are you seeking compensation? Understand that not every attorney is going to be the right choice for how you’d like to approach the case. Understanding your goals can help you choose the right lawyer, and help them tailor their approach to your case.
Your Finances: Be transparent about your financial situation, including your ability to pay legal fees. Your lawyer needs to know if you have any budget constraints, so they can provide you with realistic advice.
Any Relevant Documents: Provide your lawyer with any documents that relate to your case, including contracts, agreements, correspondence, and court documents. These documents can help your lawyer build a stronger case on your behalf.
Your Expectations: Let your lawyer know what you expect from them, including how often you want updates on your case and how you prefer to communicate.
What You Shouldn't Tell Your Lawyer:
Lies: As we mentioned above, honesty is key when working with a lawyer. Lying to your lawyer can ultimately damage your case and harm your relationship with the person tasked to help you navigate the legal process.
Irrelevant Information: Stick to the facts that are relevant to your case. Sharing irrelevant information can distract your lawyer and waste valuable time.
Confidential Information: In some cases, it's appropriate to keep certain information confidential, such as conversations with a therapist, privileged information between you and your spouse, or trade secrets. Your lawyer can't disclose this information without your consent, but they may be obligated to keep it out of court.
Your Lawyer's Opposing Party: Don't share any information about your lawyer's opposing party, as this can create conflicts of interest and harm your case.
Anything That Makes You Uncomfortable: If your lawyer suggests something that makes you uncomfortable, speak up. You have the right to choose how your case is handled, and it's important to communicate any concerns you may have. As Tampa attorney Ryan Hughes puts it, “Don’t say anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable hearing in court.”
Your Rights. Right at Hand.
Overall, when working with a lawyer, it's important to be honest and transparent. Disclose all relevant information to help your lawyer build a strong case and tailor their approach to your needs. At the same time, be mindful of what information is confidential or irrelevant and avoid sharing anything that could harm your case. By following these guidelines, you can establish a strong and productive relationship with your lawyer.
Last week, we ran a poll on Instagram to find out how many people already had a lawyer that they could call at any given time. The results showed that only one in three people had a lawyer they could contact on-demand, in the moments that matter most. This means the majority of people do not have 24/7 access to justice, especially when it could be critical or dangerous without legal guidance.
At TurnSignl, we connect drivers to attorneys over video chat when they are pulled over or in an auto accident. If you don’t have anyone to call, that’s okay — we’re here for you. Let us put an attorney in your passenger seat.
