Sizing Up Your Client

THE ATTORNEYS PAGE
"Committee For Judicial Ethics"

Sizing Up Your Client

How do you determine the wealth of your client? Here are a few tips attorneys use to determine the wealth of your client, which determines the retainer and how much you can 'charge' your client.

1) VEHICLE - Look out your window for the make, model and year of the vehicle your potential client is driving. If it is a 10 year old Taurus, well your client could have difficulty paying the bill. On the other hand, if it is a 2 year old Mercedes or BMW, you can easily double your retainer without problem.

2) BEING FIRST - Are you the clients first or fifth attorney? It's well known that the first attorney can usually milk the client for the majority of funds before they switch to another attorney. If you are their fifth attorney, they are likely out of funds and will be unable to pay your bill.

3) CREDIT REPORT - You should be using a service such as Equifax or TransUnion. These services for a monthly fee will tell you the credit ability of your client. Keep in mind that after divorce starts, credit ratings will likely be in the toilet quickly when there is argument over debt.

4) TAX RETURNS - There are some attorneys that require the last 3 tax returns before taking on a client. If you believe that legal services will be lengthy, then go ahead and ask to see their tax returns.

5) CIVIL & CRIMINAL BACKGROUND - Use the search functions on the home page of this website to search this person. You might find that he is wanted for various offenses, or has many other legal problems. If the funds are being divided between various attorneys, it means less for you.

Too often an attorney being anxious will just have the client sign a contract without fully looking into the clients financial background.