When you have chosen a few lawyers who might be able to take your case, you may start preliminary discussions over telephone to ask some initial questions before you schedule a formal face-to-face interview. Based on the answers you get from your candidates, you will screen the group until lawyers optimal for your case are left, then comes the interview. Writing down answers to your questions will help you in your decision. Comparing the answers from different lawyers may help you to choose the most adequate candidate for your case.
A few preliminary questions may sound like these:
* Is the lawyer's consultation free? If the lawyer's initial interview is made on a paying basis, how much does it cost? How long will the primary interview take?
* How is the lawyer's fee paid? Can the sum of fee be negotiated? Detailed information of costs and legal fees will help you make additional questions regarding payment.
* Has the lawyer special experience in the cases similar to yours? How long ago did the lawyer perform the last similar case?
* What is the length time the lawyer has practiced law? Where did the lawyer get his education and license to practice?
* Does the lawyer have client references?
* If the lawyer refuses to handle your matter, can he recommend to you other lawyers?
* What kind of information should you provide for the first interview with the lawyer?
* What are the possible prospects of your matter's outcomes? How much time and money will it take?
* Is your matter for one lawyer only, or will it take others to work on it?
* How many cases does the lawyer handle currently? Does the scope of his work permit him to devote the needed time to your case?
If consideration of the above questions narrowed your choice, you can now schedule an interview appointment to talk over the case in person. During the first discussion, the lawyer will ask you about specific details of your case. To get ready for the interview you have to collect all of the necessary information, documents, contact data and the set of questions to be answered during the meeting.
