good questions to ask lawyers

When you receive a formal notice that you’re under investigation for a professional license in California, immediately hire a licensing attorney, like Lucy S. McAllister. The right representation can resolve the investigation quickly and help you keep working. 

The important part about hiring a lawyer is to find the right one for your case. Just like a dentist shouldn’t fix a broken toe, a criminal defense attorney isn’t the right option to manage a professional license investigation. You deserve a specialist who is prepared to represent their client. But how do you find the right attorney? 

Here are seven good questions to ask lawyers when trying to find one who can help put the licensing board investigation behind you. 

1. What is your specialty? 

By asking this question first, you can quickly weed out attorneys who won’t be a good fit. You don’t need a criminal defense attorney; you need help with professional licensing in California. The best option will be Lucy S. McAllister, who knows the ins and outs of the legal and procedural requirements of licensing investigations.

2. How long have you been working in California? 

You need an attorney, who knows California’s laws and procedures when dealing with state licensing boards and state regulations. Some lawyers might have a great track record in a different state, but that experience doesn’t always mean they’re going to be successful in California. Veteran licensing attorneys have connections with people on the licensing boards, which provides opportunities to broker their professional relationships to help your case. 

Lucy S. McAllister is licensed by the California State Bar and has been operating in California for over 35 years. Our offices are well-equipped to serve clients throughout the state of California, including but not limited to San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego.

3. Who is your typical client?

Lawyers can specialize in specific types of law, but they can also specialize in representing specific clients. Specialties can include different industries, like real estate or construction, or can even deal with specific investigations like malpractice, DUI, or record keeping issues. 

The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister specializes in these fields:

For additional information or to schedule a consultation on licensing issue, please contact our law offices today at (877) 280-9944.

4. What is your track record with cases like mine? 

Lucy S. McAllister has a history of resolving similar cases.  If they’ve never been able to help their previous clients, how are they going to do something different now? Consider doing some due diligence before meeting with the lawyer to help answer this question. Read through their online reviews and ask for references. These can give you valuable insights into how the lawyer performs their job.

Because we want you to make an informed decision, we provide case studies and client reviews right on our website. That way, you can see if our law office is a fit for you and your situation.

5. What are your fees and costs? 

Don’t be shy about discussing costs when choosing a lawyer. Lawyers can be expensive, and not every firm will cost the same. It is possible to find a lawyer that fits your budget and can provide you the defense that you deserve. At most law firms, prices can be negotiated. For example, if your case will be handled mainly by paralegals or legal assistants, you can negotiate for a lower rate because you’re not paying for the education and experience of the lawyer. 

Typically law firms will charge at a consistent hourly rate and then bill for the work done. If an attorney refuses to share their pricing during a consultation, go to a different lawyer. It is an accepted best practice for lawyers to be transparent about their pricing, including any additional fees or charges. 

6. Are there alternative solutions for my case? 

The review process for professional license complaints can be long and costly for both you and the licensing board. In many cases, a licensing attorney, like Lucy S. McAllister, can negotiate and settle a licensing investigation without the need for a long, drawn-out process. Your lawyer should explore all available options for the best resolution. 

7. What is the likely outcome of my case?

You shouldn’t feel left in the dark when hiring an attorney. Lucy S. McAllister will be able to give an honest appraisal of your case. This gives a realistic expectation about how long you should expect the investigation to last and some projected outcomes. Don’t be afraid to be honest with Lucy. What you say to her, even during a consultation,  is privileged information and cannot be used against you. For the best representation and appraisal, they need to have all the necessary information. 

Schedule A Consultation Today

The Law Offices of Lucy S. McAllister can be the best representation for your professional licensing case. With over 30 years of experience, we understand what’s needed to best represent you. 

Tell us about your licensing issues so we can get you back to work.