What should I ask my possible lawyers?

Before beginning a consultation, the following questions should be asked:

• Is the first consultation free?
• How long have you been an attorney?
• Do you have a lot of cases that are like mine?
• (Try to find an attorney that has experience in your problem area.) Are there references, such as trust officers in banks or other attorneys that I can contact?
• Are there any clients or special-interest groups that you work for that may cause a conflict of interest?
• Can we make a fee agreement?
• May we discuss the fees?
• Is there anything in particular that I should bring to the first consultation?

Make sure to consult with at least two of the attorneys from your list. There is no need to be embarrassed about choosing the best attorney or changing appointments with an attorney after all investigation is complete.

It is now time to interview the possible attorneys. Make sure to have a brief summary of the case at hand as well as general questions to ask the attorney. There are two objectives for meeting with the attorney: 1) to see if the attorney has the talent needed to represent you, and 2) to see if you are comfortable with the attorney and the fee agreement.