Hiring Considerations

The following is a check list you may find helpful in your selection of a customs lawyer/attorney.  

Experience.  The customs and trade laws are complex and ever changing.  Locate a practitioner who is experienced in the field. 

Focused:  Try not to find those who are new to the field, transitioning from recent government service, crossing-over from another field area of law, or juggling practices other than customs and trade law. 

Technology:  Some attorneys aren't very good with technology.  We live in a fast paced world - can your attorney keep up?  Will they understand your product, and will they be able to deliver?

Attention to Detail.  This may seem like an odd question, but does the attorney pay attention to detail?  You can suss this out in various ways.  Speak with the attorney to get a sense of the caliber of his/her thoughts.  Review the firm website, and review the firm's engagement agreement.  Is it well-written and professional?

Communication and Fit:  There is a right fit when working with an attorney.  The relationship fit is important.  Interview your attorney with that in mind. 

• Do you have a conformable working relationship?
• Will they bill you too much in communications that you do not desire, or will they keep you in the dark? 
• Do you trust this person with your problem?
• Can you rely on this person to carry the case forward?

Boutique Legal Fees
Let's face it - attorneys are expensive.  Rates around the world vary widely from $200 to $800 US Dollars per hour (169 -675 Euros).  Regardless, a good attorney knows his/her worth and will be expensive.
One school of thought is to look for a boutique specialist.  A professional who holds sophisticated experience from a large firm, but whom has left behind those inflated rates, those high overhead costs, and that billing culture behind.

Present yourself well.   You may be interviewing your attorney, however, be aware that any good attorney is managing a large case load, and will also be interviewing YOU.  Are you a trustworthy client?  Are you going to be a pleasure or a pain to work?  Are you organized in your presentation, or are you a chaotic and confused mess?  Do you tend to argue, demand immediate attention, or demand long explanations?   Are you easy to work with?  Are you fiscally sound, such that you pay your bills on time?  Or will the attorney need to protect the law firm with advance retainers?