The most important questions to ask any lawyer are: how many cases like mine have you handled, what are the realistic outcomes, exactly how will I be billed, and who will actually work on my file? A free consultation is a two-way interview — you are evaluating them as much as they are evaluating your case.
About their experience
- How much of your practice is devoted to cases like mine?
- How many of these have you handled in the last year?
- Have you appeared before this court or opposing counsel before?
- How long have you practiced in this state?
- Are you board certified or specialized in this area, if that exists here?
About your case
- What are the realistic best and worst outcomes?
- What is the weakest part of my case?
- How long should this take?
- What deadlines am I facing right now? (Ask this even if you hire no one — missing a filing deadline can end a valid claim.)
- What should I avoid doing while this is pending?
- Is settlement likely, or should I expect to go to court?
About cost
- How exactly do you bill — hourly, flat, or contingency?
- What is your total estimate for a case like mine?
- What is not included in that figure?
- Are costs like filing fees and experts separate, and who advances them?
- Do I owe anything if we lose?
If any cost answer is vague, that is information. Compare what you hear against typical ranges in our legal costs guide.
About working together
- Who will actually handle my case day to day?
- How and how quickly will you communicate with me?
- How will I know what is happening between milestones?
- What do you need from me to get started?
How to prepare
Bring a short written timeline of what happened, every document you have, the names of everyone involved, and your questions on paper. Attorney time is expensive; arriving organized converts an intake meeting into real legal advice. Our Consultation Prep Tool generates a checklist for your case type, and the Document Checklist tells you what to gather.
Ready to book? Find attorneys near you, many offering free consultations.
Sources & references
Talk to a General Practice attorney near you
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For help with your specific situation, connect with a licensed attorney — many offer a free first consultation.
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