Hiring an attorney can feel intimidating – especially if you’ve never done it before. You’re dealing with a stressful situation, time might be limited, and the legal system can feel like a maze of confusing terms and endless paperwork.
Whether you’re facing a personal injury case, a divorce, or a dispute over a contract, finding the right attorney makes all the difference in how things turn out. The attorney you choose will be your guide and voice in the legal system. So don’t be afraid to dig deep before making that decision.
With this in mind, here are seven smart questions to ask before hiring an attorney:
- What Is Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?
This should be one of the first things you ask. You don’t want someone learning on the job. You want someone who knows the situation you’re walking into like the back of their own hand.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, you don’t want an attorney who only handles real estate closings. If you’re starting a business, you don’t need a criminal defense expert. You want someone who has handled your type of case multiple times – and who knows what outcomes are realistic.
Follow-up by asking: How many similar cases have you handled? What were the results? Their answers will give you a much better sense of whether they’re the right fit.
- How Do You Usually Handle Cases Like This?
Most legal disputes never make it to court. But it’s still important to know your attorney’s approach. Some lawyers are known for pushing settlements quickly. Others may have a reputation for being aggressive in the courtroom.
There’s no right or wrong here – just what’s best for you. If you’re hoping for a fast resolution without going to trial, you’ll want a lawyer who has experience negotiating. If your case is complex or high stakes, you may prefer someone with courtroom experience.
Ask how they’ve handled similar cases and how often they go to trial. It’ll help you understand their strategy and whether it aligns with your goals.
- What Will This Cost, and How Do You Charge?
Money obviously matters, and legal fees can add up quickly. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand how you’ll be billed.
- Some attorneys charge by the hour. Others work on a contingency fee basis – meaning they only get paid if you win.
- Some may require a retainer up front. Others might offer flat fees for specific services.
Ask for a clear breakdown of their fee structure, and don’t hesitate to ask follow up questions, like: Are there other costs I should expect, like filing fees or expert witness costs?
- Who Will Be Handling My Case?
You may assume the attorney you’re meeting with is the one who will be working on your case, but that’s not always true. In larger firms, much of the work may be handed off to junior associates or paralegals.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you deserve to know who’s actually doing the work, as well as who to contact with questions. Clarity here avoids miscommunication later, and it gives you confidence that you’re in good hands.
- How Will We Communicate, and How Often?
One of the biggest complaints people have about lawyers is a lack of communication. They’ll point to the fact that some attorneys don’t return calls or won’t send updates. And in these situations, you’re left wondering what’s going on with your case.
Set expectations early. Ask questions like: How do you prefer to communicate – email, phone, in person? How quickly do you usually respond? Will I receive regular updates, or should I check in?
You’re hiring someone to represent you. That means being accessible and responsive should be part of the deal. But never assume this is guaranteed, unless you ask.
- What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of My Case?
A good attorney shouldn’t tell you what you want to hear. Instead, you need someone to give you an honest assessment – both the good and the bad.
Ask them straight up: What are the strengths of my case? And where do you see challenges? Their answer will give you insight into how thoroughly they’ve reviewed your situation and whether they’re realistic about what’s ahead.
- What’s the Likely Outcome (and How Long Will It Take)?
No attorney can guarantee a result, but they can give you an informed opinion based on their experience. Ask what a typical timeline looks like and what possible outcomes you should be prepared for.
This helps you manage your expectations and make informed decisions about things like settlement offers, next steps, and how involved you’ll need to be during the process.
If the attorney is vague or overpromises, it’s a red flag. You want realistic advice, not someone selling false hope.
Hire the Right Attorney
Choosing an attorney is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. You don’t need to know everything about the law – you just need to know the right questions to ask. And as long as you’ve done your research and received the answers you’re looking for, you should feel confident enough to proceed.
