5 Telling Questions to Ask a Lawyer Before Hiring Them

Do you need a lawyer? In 2016, there were more than 792,000 lawyers in the U.S.

You see the ads everywhere, but how do you know if that lawyer is best for your case?

Make sure you’re hiring the best of the best by using these 5 telling questions to ask a lawyer before hiring them today!

1. What Is Your Specialty?

If the attorney gives you a wide range of specialties like drunk driving, taxes, and securities, the attorney is probably not an “expert.” There are so many areas of law, so it’s best to find some who is an expert for your issue.

It takes time and experience for an attorney to become an expert in various areas. You want a lawyer that doesn’t just want your money but knows how to truly help you.

Watch out for attorneys that just got their license. You want to get the best representation possible, which comes with experience.  

2. Who Will Personally Handle My Case?

You see the advertising campaigns for personal injury lawyers. That doesn’t mean the person you see will represent you. This is why it’s important to ask who will personally handle your case.

A big firm may hand smaller cases to other attorneys and not the attorney you met. You need to feel comfortable confiding in your attorney, so it’s best to know upfront which attorney will handle your case.

You may still work with the attorney, but someone else in the law firm may handle getting all the necessary paperwork. This is fairly common.

You will also want to know who you should contact with any questions. Throughout your legal proceedings, you will most likely have some questions or concerns.

3. What Are All the Fees?

Some attorneys charge by the hour and others offer a flat fee. Most lawyers charge a percentage of the judgment for monetary damages. This fee usually runs around one-third of your settlement.

It’s best to know all your fees upfront to avoid any surprises. You will also need to know what will happen if you don’t win anything in your case. What will you need to pay your attorney?

You should also see if there are any other additional expenses. You could get charged for any document fees, photocopies, or expert witness fees. It’s best to know if there are any additional fees other than the attorney fee.

4. Main Questions to Ask a Lawyer: Have You Handled Similar Cases?

This helps you know if this attorney is an expert in this area. It is probably the most important question you can ask.

Don’t just accept “yes” as an answer either. You need to know when and where along with the outcomes. You can see if the attorney really knows the area.

5. What Do You Think Will Be the Outcome of My Case?

Lawyers will not guarantee a specific result. They are not fortune tellers. The attorney should be able to give you a brief and direct assessment of how this case will go.

Experienced lawyers have a good idea of how this process works. You need to get an idea of expectations. This also shows how well a lawyer will handle your case.

Looking for More Advice?

Now that you know what questions to ask a lawyer, you may wonder about personal injury lawsuit. Check out our site for advice on lawsuits, money, and just about anything else.