What is your overall
experience and your experience with cases like mine?
It's important to know how long a lawyer has practiced and whether he or she has handled similar cases. Lawyers, like doctors, tend to concentrate in certain specialties. You want to satisfy yourself that your lawyer is familiar with this area of the law and has had significant experience handling similar cases. You would no more want to hire a lawyer who doesn't handle similar cases than you would want your podiatrist to clear your blocked artery.
What are the potential
results of my case?
It's important to set your
expectations appropriately as early in the process as possible. If there is a
chance you could lose your case, you should be aware of that possibility. You
want as few surprises as possible. Be wary of any lawyer who guarantees victory
or who talks only of the successful outcomes.
Do I have any other
means to resolve this matter?
Understanding all your
options is important. The best lawyers will recommend other options if those
options are best for you, including those that don't involve hiring a lawyer.
For example, if a simple do-it-yourself remedy exists, such as for collecting
an overdue debt or back child support, a good lawyer will recommend that option
to you. The worst lawyers care only for generating fees and will generally
present their services as the only option.
How long does this
type of matter take to resolve?
This is another important
question that helps you set your expectations. Legal matters frequently take
far longer than the average layperson realizes. If this matter will take longer
than think it will, you want to know it ahead of time.
What are your rates
and billing procedures?
Understanding what and how
you are to be charged is obviously important. Billing procedures and rates are
a common point of disagreement between lawyers and clients. The more you know
ahead of time, the better off you'll be. Again, this is another one of those
questions designed to eliminate disagreements later on. You'll want to know,
for example, whether your lawyer will bill you monthly or only after all
services are rendered.
What do you estimate
the total bill, with fees and expenses, will be?
In many cases, a lawyer
cannot give you an exact estimate because the fees depend upon the time
involved, which cannot be determined exactly until the services are performed.
Every lawyer, however, should be able at least to give you a ballpark estimate.
If your fee arrangement is be hourly, you should also ask your lawyer to notify
you when he or she realizes that the estimate is likely to be exceeded.
Could I have less–experienced staff handle some of my case to lower my costs?
The best lawyers don't need
to be asked this question because they should be trying to keep costs down
wherever possible. You should still ask this question, however, at least to let
your lawyer know that you're aware that he or she can reduce costs by using
lower-cost staff.
Are all our
conversations completely confidential?
Lawyers are duty-bound to
keep conversations with their clients confidential. This can still be an
important question, however, because there are issues around when the
attorney-client relationship begins. You should discuss with the lawyer if
there are any situations when the confidentiality doesn't apply. For example,
if you meet with a lawyer, but don't retain his or her services, were the
conversations confidential?