Working With Your Attorney
When do I need a lawyer?
Martindale-Hubbell Highest Rating "A-V"
Douglas G. Waters, Jr., P.A.
433 Shawnee Street
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
(913) 682-7343
(913) 682-8542 (fax)
E-mail dwaters@firstcitylaw.com
Open Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
By Appointment
Generally, you should think about obtaining legal advice regarding:
- Serious accidents
- Deaths
- Being accused of a crime
- When someone sues you
- Writing a will
- Retirement planning
- Appearances, applications or appeals to government agencies
If a problem like one of these faces you, call my office as soon as you can. Many simple problems get more complicated as time passes. When in doubt, talk with me. A brief consultation can help you decide if a lawyer’s assistance is needed.
When I get a lawyer, what can I expect?
In most cases, my representation follows a careful step-by-step process that may include:
- Conferring with you to pinpoint the situation and determine what you wish to accomplish
- Gathering and analyzing all available facts and information
- Interviewing everyone involved with the case
- Studying laws and previous decisions that may apply to your situation
- Offering advice and preparing contracts or other appropriate documents
- Preparing legal arguments for contested matters, and representing you in any negotiations for settlement and court appearances
What should I do at my first meeting concerning legal advice?
- Be prepared to give a brief explanation of your legal problem and what ultimate result you would like your lawyer to help you achieve
- Bring copies of any written records that explain your problem
- Write down questions you want your lawyer to answer
What should I do at my first meeting concerning legal advice?
Remember, good legal assistance is not a one-way street. You have to cooperate with my office if you really want help. The attorney-client relationship is confidential except, according to the Rules of Professional Conduct, if it is necessary for the lawyer to disclose information to the proper authorities in order to prevent a client from committing a criminal, illegal or fraudulent act likely to perpetrate a fraud upon a tribunal.
Here are some important tips to follow:
- Please provide me with an objective statement of all the facts. According to the Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer may counsel or assist a client in a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning or application of the law. However, a attorney is not permitted to counsel or assist in conduct that the lawyer knows is illegal, criminal or fraudulent, or in the preparation of a written instrument containing terms the lawyer knows are expressly prohibited by law.
- Don¹t look for simple, quick answers to complex questions. Lawyers are justifiably cautious in drawing conclusions or answering questions about complicated legal problems. Attorneys and judges know that cases are rarely “open and shut”.
- Let the law office know about any new developments in your case.
- Don¹t hesitate to ask questions about any matter relevant to your case.
- Work with my office. If you don¹t understand why something should be done or have doubts about some action recommended, ask questions and get an explanation.
- Be patient - Don¹t look for instant results. Trust my office and myself to follow through on the case but don¹t hesitate to ask for progress reports.
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