Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation 

When you are in a situation where you need an experienced attorney or law firm, you may not know what to ask them. To help you make the most out of your consultation, the attorneys at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC created a guide to help you. 

Importance of an initial consultation and introduction to Hipskind & McAninch, LLC

It is crucial that you be well-prepared for your initial consultation with Hipskind & McAninch, LLC. This meeting with our legal assistants lays the foundation for the legal journey you are on, and it can greatly impact the results of your case.

Preparing for a lawyer consultation

Prior to your first meeting with the right lawyer, you must gather all relevant documents related to your case. This may include medical records, contracts, correspondence, or police reports.

General questions to ask during a consultation

You should prepare a list of general questions you wish to ask the attorney. Consider questions about your case, possible outcomes, legal options available to you, and the attorney’s approach and experience.

Knowledge and Experience Matters

Legal experience matters since it encompasses many crucial elements contributing to an attorney’s experience and track record. Some questions to ask most lawyers include:

  • How many years have you been practicing law?
  • Have you handled cases similar to mine?

When you evaluate an attorney’s specialization in a certain area of law, history of success, professional achievements, and client testimonials, you gain an insight into their reliability and capabilities. 

Case-specific questions and an overview of our key services and specialties

Asking case-specific questions is crucial since personal injury law, criminal law, and family law can have drastic differences in case law. The attorney you choose should be experienced in the case you need legal assistance with. Explore our experience and services in other practice areas.

Legal services fee structure and billing questions to ask your lawyer during a consultation

Several types of fee arrangements are used by attorneys. A lawyer may charge an hourly fee or a fixed rate. Legal fees can include document preparation, court appearances, consultations, and other legal services. 

Questions you can ask at your consultation include:

  • Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
  • Will I have any upfront costs?
  • Do I pay anything if we lose?

You should ask plenty of questions to have a clear understanding of the fee structure and billing practices of the lawyer you choose. 

What to ask your lawyer during a consultation about communication and availability

Communication and availability are important aspects of an attorney-client relationship. Some of the questions you want to ask the attorney during your initial consultation include:

  • How often will I receive an update regarding my case?
  • What is the best way to contact you with questions?
  • Will I work with you directly or with a paralegal or an associate?

Clear communication is important to keep you aware of your case’s progress, helping you be an active participant throughout the process.

Questions to ask an attorney during a consultation regarding client testimonials and references

An experienced lawyer is more likely to have the knowledge and skills required to secure favorable compensation for you. You can ask questions including:

  • What is your track record for winning or settling cases?
  • Can you provide references or client testimonials?

Understanding their experience can help you feel confident and gain peace of mind throughout the legal process, helping to increase the likelihood of reaching a successful resolution.

Photo of a Lawyer

Key questions to ask your attorney during a consultation and the next steps after the consultation

Questions should be asked about the viability of your case to help you understand the weaknesses and strengths. These questions can include:

  • What is my case worth? 
  • How long should it take to resolve my claim? 
  • Do I have a viable case?

Discussing these details during your initial consultation will help you and your lawyer get on the same page toward building an effective and strong legal strategy moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions on family law

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

How do you negotiate the cases you handle?

What are two questions one should ask of their attorney?

Do you have experience handling cases like mine? What do you charge for your services?

How do I prepare for a case consultation?

Prepare for a case consultation by gathering important questions and collecting documents relating to your case.

What is discussed during a consultation?

During your consultation, you will discuss fee structures, the viability of your case, the expected time it will take to reach a resolution, and more.

Schedule a consultation with Hipskind & McAninch, LLC

Now that you have prepared yourself to find an attorney, contact us today using our secure online form to schedule a free consultation.

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Personal Injury

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