How to Choose the Right Lawyer: 12 Questions to Ask

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ from state to state and change over time. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed lawyer in your state.

Choosing a lawyer is an important decision. The right lawyer understands your type of case, communicates clearly and is someone you trust. This guide explains how to find candidates, check their background, and what to ask before you hire.

Step 1: Know what kind of lawyer you need

Law is specialized. A lawyer who is excellent at real estate closings may have little experience with criminal defense or child custody. Start by identifying your legal issue, then look for lawyers who focus on that practice area in your state. On NearLawyers you can search by legal issue and location or browse lawyers by state.

Step 2: Make a short list

Good sources include:

• Recommendations from friends, family or another lawyer you trust
• Your state or local bar association’s lawyer referral service
• Online directories, where you can compare practice areas and office locations

Aim for two or three lawyers to talk to. Many offer free or low-cost first consultations.

Step 3: Check the license

Every state bar or licensing agency has an online lookup where you can confirm that a lawyer is licensed and in good standing, and in many states see any public discipline. This takes a few minutes and is one of the most important steps.

Step 4: Prepare for the consultation

Bring a short written summary of what happened, important dates, and copies of key documents such as letters, contracts, court papers or police reports. Write down your questions in advance.

12 questions to ask

1. How long have you practiced, and what share of your work is cases like mine?
2. Have you handled cases in this court or with this agency before?
3. What are the possible outcomes in my case, including the risks?
4. What are my options besides going to court, such as negotiation or mediation?
5. Who will actually work on my case: you, another lawyer, or a paralegal?
6. How will you keep me updated, and how quickly do you usually return calls and emails?
7. How do you charge: hourly, flat fee or contingency? What is your estimate of the total cost?
8. What other costs should I expect, and who pays them?
9. How long do cases like mine usually take?
10. What do you need from me, and what should I avoid doing while the case is open?
11. If my case goes to trial, will you handle the trial yourself?
12. Can I have the fee agreement in writing before we start?

Warning signs

• Guaranteeing a specific result. No ethical lawyer can promise how a case will end.
• Pressuring you to sign right away.
• Being vague about fees or refusing to put the fee agreement in writing.
• Not listening, or not explaining things in a way you understand.
• Contacting you uninvited right after an accident to solicit your case, which is restricted by legal ethics rules in most situations.

Trust your judgment

Experience and price matter, but so does how comfortable you feel. You will share personal details with this person and rely on their advice, sometimes for months. Choose someone who takes your questions seriously and treats you with respect.

Find a lawyer near you

Browse lawyers by state or search by legal issue and location from the home page. Searching and contacting lawyers through NearLawyers is free.