7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer

Did you know that there are more than 1.2 million lawyers in the United States alone?

That said, this means that deciding on the right legal representation can get incredibly tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. Are you trying to figure out how to find the right lawyer for you?

Then you’re on the right page. In this article, you will learn some of the must-ask questions to ask lawyers before you hire them. That way, you can make sure you hire the best lawyer for your case!

That said, let’s dive into the must-know questions to ask before you hire a lawyer.

1. What Are Their Credentials?

Before you hire a lawyer, it is important to ask about their credentials. What school did they attend, did they pass the bar in your state, and what type of law have they practiced?

It is also good to ask if they are members of any professional organizations related to their practice or if they have any certifications such as “board certified” or “specialist.” Finally, ask if they have any references that you can contact to ask about their work. They should be able to provide a list of previous clients or colleagues that you can contact. 

2. What Type of Law Do They Specialize In?

When looking for a lawyer to hire, it is important to inquire about the type of law they specialize in. This will ensure you receive the specialized advice you need. While it’s possible to find a lawyer for general legal advice, the more specialized the practice, the more acute the knowledge.

Ask the lawyer if they specialize in a particular area, such as family law, criminal law, bankruptcy, insurance issues, or any other specialty you may need. Do they practice as trial lawyers, or does the practice primarily involve negotiations or consultations?

It is also important to ask about the lawyer’s past experience with similar cases. Have they had any success with cases like yours?

A lawyer who knows the nuances of a particular legal practice will be much more effective in providing personalized advice. 

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3. How Long Have They Been Practicing Law?

To get a top lawyer, it is important to ask how long they have been practicing law. Many states require lawyers to renew their licenses every two or three years, depending on the state.

Generally speaking, the longer a lawyer has been practicing law, the more experience and knowledge they have in the area. A lawyer with more experience is likely to be able to handle your case more quickly, as they are more familiar with the laws and processes involved.

Additionally, you may have better access to resources if the lawyer has been practicing law for many years, as they are more likely to be connected to other lawyers and legal specialists.

4. What Is Their Approach to Cases Like Yours?

When looking to hire a lawyer for your case, you need to make sure to ask what their approach is to cases like yours. Different lawyers may have different ways of viewing a similar case, and you want to make sure you hire someone who shares your values.

Do they prefer to go to trial or settle out of court? Ask what strategies they use to create a successful outcome. Having full clarity and a timeline for your case before signing any agreements is imperative. 

5. Can You Contact Them Anytime?

This will determine how easily obtainable the lawyer is and how available they are to assist you. Questions to ask to determine this include:

Do you have an easy-to-use communication system to contact you? What is the process of contacting you if I have a question outside of our scheduled meetings? How often do you respond to questions? Do you offer evening or weekend availability?

This will help give you a better understanding of the lawyer’s availability and how effectively you can get in contact with them if necessary. Understanding the communication availability of a lawyer is key to making sure you have easy and timely access to expert legal advice.

6. What Are Their Fees and How Do They Charge?

Next, it’s important to understand their fees and how they charge for their services. Ask your lawyer what their fees will be for taking your case and if there are any added costs.

Also, ask if they are charging an hourly rate, fixed fee, retainer fee, or contingency fee. The hourly rate means the lawyer will bill you for each hour they spend on your case.

A fixed fee is a set amount for the work, regardless of how long it takes. The retainer fee is the sum of money paid upfront and then deducted from their hourly rate.

A contingency fee means that the lawyer will not get paid unless they win your case. Inquire if the lawyer will charge additional expenses for things such as filing fees, research, or other costs.

Ask if they will provide a payment plan in case you have trouble paying for their services. Knowing ahead of time what a lawyer’s fees and payment plans are can help you make a more informed decision and find the best lawyer for your case.

7. What Is My Obligation to You as a Client?

Generally, the lawyer’s fee is based on a percentage of any settlements or awards you receive. However, your obligations to the lawyer may change if you don’t win. Ask your lawyer for details about their billing, including what their fee will be if you don’t win the case.

Ask your lawyer to explain what other out-of-pocket expenses you may incur and discuss what services will be provided if you lose your case. Knowing these details upfront can help you manage your expectations and prevent any post-trial surprises.

Hire a Lawyer Today

When you hire a lawyer, many factors must be considered. Make sure you ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job.

Prepare thoughtful questions and research thoroughly before hiring. Don’t forget to consider their experience, fees, practices, and availability. With the right lawyer, you can have peace of mind.

If you’re still looking for more great advice on ideas, keep scrolling through our blog for more now.