Before you meet with the lawyer:

Ask family and friends if he or she has used a lawyer and what he or she liked or disliked about him or her?

Was he or she easy to reach?

What type of matter did he or she handle for you?

Did he or she use email?

Did the fee seem reasonable?

Was the fee clearly explained before work began?

Were legal terms and concepts explained in everyday English?

Did he or she give you regular updates about the status of your case?

Were you satisfied with the results?

Would you hire that lawyer again?

 Ask the lawyer:

How long he or she has been practicing?

Whether or not he or she handles cases such as yours?

Whether he or she handles cases in the county where your case is located?

How much he or she charges per hour?

What is the retainer fee for a case such as yours?

What are the chances of obtaining the desired result?

What steps are involved in an attempt to obtain the desired result?

What is a realistic time-table for the desired result?