How to Find a Good Lawyer: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Start With the Right Type of Lawyer

Law is highly specialized. A divorce attorney who is excellent at family law is not the person you want representing you in a workplace discrimination claim, a business contract dispute, or a DUI case. Before you interview anyone, get specific about what kind of legal problem you have:

• Injured in an accident → Personal injury attorney
• Dispute with employer → Employment law attorney
• Divorce or custody → Family law attorney
• Criminal charges → Criminal defense attorney
• Landlord-tenant dispute → Landlord-tenant or housing attorney
• Business formation or contracts → Business/corporate attorney
• Estate planning → Estate planning attorney
• Real estate transaction → Real estate attorney

Within each specialty, experience in your specific subtype matters. A personal injury attorney who primarily handles car accidents may have less familiarity with medical malpractice. Ask directly about their focus area within the specialty.

Where to Find Lawyer Candidates

Before you can ask questions, you need candidates to evaluate:

• Online directories: Platforms like National Law Connect let you filter by specialty, location, and other criteria
• State bar referral services: Your state bar association typically has a free or low-cost attorney referral service
• Personal referrals: Friends or family who've had similar legal issues can be excellent sources — not just the name, but their actual experience with the attorney
• Other attorneys: Lawyers in different specialties often know good attorneys in other fields and are willing to make referrals
• Legal aid organizations: If you have limited income, legal aid may provide free or reduced-cost representation

Aim to consult with 2–3 attorneys before making a decision. Most offer free initial consultations. Never hire the first attorney you speak with unless they're clearly exceptional and you've done adequate research.

The 7 Essential Questions to Ask

Question 1: How Much of Your Practice Is Dedicated to Cases Like Mine?

You want more than someone who has "handled" your type of case before. You want someone for whom it's a significant part of their practice. An attorney who does 70% family law and 30% personal injury is a general practitioner, not a personal injury specialist. Ask what percentage of their current caseload matches your situation.

Follow-up: How many cases like mine have you handled in the past two years? What were the outcomes?

Question 2: What Is Your Honest Assessment of My Case?

A good attorney will give you a candid, realistic view of your case — including its weaknesses. Be wary of any attorney who tells you exactly what you want to hear without noting challenges, or who promises specific outcomes. Good lawyers make no guarantees; they identify risks and probabilities honestly.

What you're listening for: Does this attorney understand the facts? Do they see things you hadn't considered? Are they being straight with you?

Question 3: Who Will Actually Handle My Case?

At large firms, you might meet a senior partner during consultation, only to have your case handled by a first-year associate. This isn't necessarily bad — junior attorneys are often talented and closely supervised. But you deserve to know who will be doing the work, who will be your primary contact, and who will appear in court on your behalf. Ask directly.

Question 4: What Is Your Fee Structure and What Will This Cost?

Different cases use different fee models. Personal injury cases typically use contingency fees (you pay nothing unless you win). Business, estate, and family law matters often use hourly billing or flat fees. Get specifics:

• What is the hourly rate, flat fee, or contingency percentage?
• What costs and expenses are billed separately?
• Is there a retainer required? Is it refundable?
• How often will I be billed? In what increments (some firms bill in 0.1-hour minimums, others 0.25)?
• What is a realistic total cost estimate for my type of case?

A trustworthy attorney will give you a realistic range, not just a vague "it depends." They should also explain what factors could push costs higher.

Question 5: How Do You Communicate, and How Quickly Do You Respond?

Poor communication is the number-one complaint clients have about their attorneys. Establish expectations upfront:

• What's your preferred method of communication (email, phone, client portal)?
• What is your typical response time to calls and emails?
• Will you proactively update me when something happens in my case, or do I need to check in?
• Who should I contact if I can't reach you?

Pay attention to how responsive they were in getting back to you to schedule this consultation. That behavior often predicts future communication.

Question 6: What Is Your Strategy for My Case?

Even without knowing every detail, a good attorney can sketch a general strategic approach after reviewing the basics. Ask what their initial thinking is about how to handle your matter. Are they likely to negotiate, litigate, or pursue alternative dispute resolution? What are the key issues or decision points? What would success look like?

You don't need a complete roadmap at the consultation. But an attorney who can't articulate any strategic thinking about your case hasn't engaged with it seriously yet.

Question 7: What Are the Likely Timelines?

Legal matters take time — often much more than clients expect. Ask:

• How long does this type of case typically take to resolve?
• What are the key milestones in the process?
• What factors could extend the timeline?
• Is there any time pressure I should be aware of (statutes of limitations, filing deadlines)?

This conversation also reveals whether the attorney has been through the full process before and understands the realistic pace of your type of case.

Green Flags: Signs You've Found a Good Lawyer

• Listens more than they talk in the initial consultation
• Explains things in plain language, not legal jargon
• Points out weaknesses in your case as well as strengths
• Has a clear, organized process for onboarding new clients
• Returns calls and emails promptly (start timing from your inquiry)
• Has verifiable experience and client reviews in your practice area
• Is licensed in your state and in good standing (check your state bar website)
• Can provide references from past clients with similar cases

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

• Guarantees outcomes: No ethical attorney can promise a win
• Pressures you to sign immediately: Good attorneys don't use high-pressure tactics
• Can't clearly explain their fees: Vague fee structures lead to billing disputes
• Dismisses your questions: Your questions deserve real answers
• Takes every type of case: True specialists don't practice "a little of everything"
• Has disciplinary history: Always check the state bar for complaints or sanctions
• Makes you feel rushed or unimportant: You're the client — your case deserves focus

How to Verify an Attorney's Credentials

Before hiring anyone, take these verification steps:

1. Check their bar status: Every state bar has an online lookup tool. Verify the attorney is licensed and in good standing, with no disciplinary actions.
2. Read reviews: Google, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell aggregate client reviews. Look at patterns, not just individual ratings.
3. Search their name: A quick search may reveal news coverage, verdicts, settlements, or other relevant public information.
4. Verify courtroom experience: If your case might go to trial, ask how many trials they've handled in the past three years.