ABSTRACT
The trial court may appoint an attorney if the case is a criminal matter or a client may wish to retain a private attorney in a civil or criminal matter. If the client choses to meet with the counsel, the attorney may want to conduct an investigation before agreeing to be retained or choosing to sign a retention agreement. Experienced trial attorneys attempt to involve experts in the case prior to the filing of a lawsuit if possible. As discussed earlier, the expert may be retained as a consultant who is to assist the attorney or may be hired to actually be involved in litigation.
