VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE LAWS

VOCAL NEW YORK'S Recommended Questions When Interviewing Child Abuse Attorneys

How many child abuse cases similar to mine have you handled?
What would your strategy be and what course of action would you recommend in a case like mine?
How many were settled in favor of your client and how many were tried?
Knowing that there are no guarantees, what do you think our chances for success are?
What was your win/lose record and would you be willing to have a past client contact me?
Will you provide me with full explanations for all developments and multiple alternatives for my consideration and decision? 
What percentage of your practice involves child abuse?
What percentage of your cases have resulted in plea-bargain and what are your feelings regarding a plea bargaining?
What were the outcomes and how long did it take?
Do you have access to expert witnesses who will investigate allegations and testify---and are you open to any that I may prefer?
As my lawyer, would you or someone from your office be able to be present at meetings with social services or law enforcement officials if needed?
What mental health professionals would you recommend for evaluation of the allegations?
How much is your hourly rate and how much is this case likely to cost me? 
Will you bill me monthly by providing me with detailed, itemized statements? 
Will you provide me with a written retainer agreement so that we agree in advance what our options are? 
Will the retainer agreement explicitly set forth the lawyer's responsibilities and fee structure?
What would be your strategy in dealing with social services?
Will you provide me with copies of all correspondence and pleadings so that I am kept promptly and fully informed of all developments?
What is the best time to call you and will you return my calls personally?
Will I have full and free access to the attorney's file at all times?
Do you have a licensed investigator you work with regularly and what is his fee?
Will you refrain from entering into agreements or stipulations unless approved or authorized by me in advance?
Have you had any clients who are members of VOCAL?


Revised January 1998 Number 6