Initial Consultation: You should always schedule a consultation prior to hiring an attorney. You should not expect to solve your legal problem(s) during the initial consultation. The consultation is an opportunity for you to interview the attorney and decide whether you feel comfortable with the law firm. If you decide to hire the firm, and they agree to represent you, a more detailed discussion of your case will follow as the matter progresses.
Experience: The law firm should have experience in your type of legal matter. How long has the firm been in practice? What percentage of their caseload is dedicated to your type of legal problem? Do the attorneys have any special skills? Who else in the firm would be working on your case? Keep in mind, if the attorney is in practice alone, there may be no one to manage your case in the event the attorney is unavailable, becomes ill, takes vacation, etc.
Fees: What are their fees and how are they structured? Can you make paymennts? Does the firm have a written fee agreement? Keep in mind, a higher fee does not necessarily equate with a more qualified attorney. Also, a rock bottom fee may signal problems, inexperience, lack of clients, or incompetency.
References: Can the law firm provide realistic references? What type of ratings has the law firm received? You should always look for reviews and comments from current or former clients. This is easy to do by utilizing the internet.
Law Office: Request a brief tour of the office beyond the lobby or conference room where you first met. Is the law office neat, orderly, efficient and well-run? What kind of support staff does the firm employ? Does staff appear friendly and helpful? You can tell a lot about a law firm from their law office.
Professional Relationship: You need to keep in mind you aren’t looking for a best friend, you’re looking for a lawyer. The qualities you’d want in a friend, are certainly not those you need in your lawyer. A lawyer should be your legal sword and shield.
