20 Questions to Ask a Lawyer Before Hiring Them
8 min read · Updated March 2026
Questions About Experience
1. How long have you practiced this area of law? 2. How many cases like mine have you handled? 3. What were the outcomes of similar cases? 4. Will you personally handle my case or will it be delegated? 5. Are you board certified in this practice area? Experience matters — an attorney with 20 years of general practice may be less effective than one with 5 years of focused specialty experience.
Questions About Fees and Costs
6. What is your fee structure (hourly, flat, contingency)? 7. What is your hourly rate and billing increment? 8. How much is the retainer? 9. What additional costs should I expect (filing fees, experts, copies)? 10. Do you offer payment plans? Get all fee information in writing. A reputable attorney will provide a clear, written fee agreement without hesitation.
Questions About Your Case
11. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case? 12. What is the likely outcome? 13. How long will this take? 14. What are my alternatives to litigation? 15. What is your recommended strategy? Be wary of attorneys who guarantee outcomes or only discuss best-case scenarios. Good lawyers give honest assessments.
Questions About Communication
16. How will you keep me updated on my case? 17. What is your response time for calls and emails? 18. Who else in your office will work on my case? 19. Will I receive copies of all documents filed? 20. How often will I receive billing statements? Communication breakdowns are the #1 source of attorney complaints. Set expectations upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the first consultation really free?
Most attorneys offer free 15-30 minute consultations. Some charge $50-$100 for longer sessions. Always confirm before scheduling.
Should I bring documents to the consultation?
Yes. Bring all relevant documents, a written timeline of events, and your list of questions. This helps the attorney evaluate your case efficiently.