Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
The single best tool for hiring a good lawyer is a good list of questions. Bring it to every consultation. The answers, and how comfortably the lawyer gives them, will tell you almost everything you need to know. Here is a list organized by topic.
About their experience
- How often do you handle cases like mine?
- Do cases like mine usually settle, or do they go to court?
- What is a realistic range of outcomes for a situation like this?
- Have you handled matters in the specific California county or court where my case would be heard?
You are not looking for bravado. You are looking for someone who has been here before and can talk about it calmly.
About fees and costs
- How do you charge: hourly, flat fee, or contingency?
- What is your rate, and roughly what total cost should I expect?
- What extra costs, like filing fees or expert witnesses, will I be responsible for?
- How and when will I be billed, and will I get itemized statements?
If the answers are vague, push for specifics. Our legal fees guide explains each model in detail.
About who does the work
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to an associate or paralegal?
- Who do I contact with questions, and how quickly can I expect a reply?
- How will you keep me updated on progress?
Many firms share work across a team, which is normal. You just want to know who your point of contact is.
About strategy
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- What are my options, and what would you recommend?
- What is the likely timeline from start to finish?
- What can I do to help my own case?
A lawyer willing to discuss the weak spots is usually more trustworthy than one who only sees a slam dunk.
About the relationship
- What do you need from me, and how often?
- What happens if I am unhappy or want to switch lawyers later?
- Is everything I tell you confidential?
How to use the answers
Take notes during each meeting and compare lawyers side by side afterward. Clarity, honesty about risks, and respect for your questions matter more than a polished sales pitch. If a lawyer dodges the fee questions or guarantees a win, check our red flags page. Then keep these questions handy and run them through our hiring checklist.