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7 Questions You Should Ask Every Attorney

1. Do you have the time and resources to represent me?

Some lawyers take on more clients than they can handle. Rarely, if ever, will an attorney tell you they don’t have the time to represent you. Nevertheless, this question puts the issue on the table and forces the attorney to make a commitment to you.

2. If I call or email you, how long will it typically take for you to respond?

The number one complaint against attorneys is that they don’t return phone calls or respond to emails fast enough. This is another question that is designed to force the attorney to make a commitment to you.

3. Who will be working on my case?

Depending on the complexity of your needs, more than one person may work on your matter. Attorneys typically have associate attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants on their staff. Find out who is going to be working on your case, and which tasks each person is going to handle. For example, you might not want a second year associate negotiating a deal for you, or appearing in court for you. It is best to have an understanding of how your matter will be staffed before you hire an attorney.

4. How long have you been handling matters like mine?

This questions helps you find out how much experience the attorney has in cases or matters such as yours. An attorney may have been licensed for more than 20 years, but has only been handling your type of case for one year. Don’t assume – ask.

5. What percentage of your practice consists of matters or cases like mine?

Again, this question helps you find out how much expertise the attorney has in cases like yours. You may be considering two attorneys who have both been licensed for 10 years, but if one spends 90% of her time on cases like yours, and the other spends 20% of her time on similar cases, then you are more likely to hire the former.

6. What is your standard strategy or approach for matters like mine?

Here, you want to gain an understanding of an attorney’s basic approach to matters such as yours. Let the attorney know what your goals and needs are, and then listen to his or her strategies. Ask follow-up questions when appropriate.

Most attorneys will be hesitant to tell you exactly what they would do in your circumstances until they have reviewed all of the facts. Let the attorney know that you are not seeking specific legal advice, but simply want to get an understanding of their approach and thought process.

7. What makes you better than other attorneys in your field?

Some people are hesitant to ask an attorney this question as they feel it is putting the attorney on the spot. On the contrary, an experienced attorney should welcome this question as it gives the attorney the opportunity to articulate his or her value offering.

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