Finding the Right Lawyer

First, start asking people to recommend a lawyer. Someone you know may be the best person to refer you to a good lawyer. Friends, family, neighbors or co-workers all are good sources for recommendations when searching for a lawyer. Chances are, if you are comfortable with someone, you will also be comfortable with the person they recommend.

Also, look at other resources, like MD Consumers' “Consult an Attorney” page.

Ultimately, make sure that you feel personally and professionally comfortable with the lawyer you decide to employ. To best present your case, you will need to have good communication with your lawyer.

Preparing For an Initial Consultation

When setting up an initial consultation, make sure the lawyer has experience your type of case. Also, determine whether or not the initial consultation will be free or for a reduced fee.

Before your meeting, organize all the documents you have relating to your problem - letters, receipts, and notes. Bring a written summary of your problem so that you can present your information clearly and concisely. Remember, you will need to share all relevant information with your lawyer, even if it is unflattering or may not seem to be in your favor.

Questioning Your Prospective Lawyer

Some questions you may want to ask are:

1.       What experience do you have in this type of case?

2.      Could you please outline how you think the case should be handled?

3.      Are there ways to resolve this case without going to court?

4.      What do you think the time frame for completion of this case would be?

5.      What do you estimate the total fee would be?

6.      What is your hourly fee?

7.      How will I participate in this case?

8.      Can I make phone calls or do any legwork to expedite the case and reduce the fee?

9.      How will I be kept informed over the duration of the case?

10.    Do you carry malpractice insurance?

Questioning Yourself After an Initial Consultation

After you have an initial consultation with a lawyer, you will have a much better understanding of what your case entails. At this time, you will want to ask yourself some questions.

1.       Will I be comfortable working with this lawyer?

2.      Do I believe the lawyer can handle this case to my best advantage?

3.      Do I understand what the lawyer has explained to me pertaining to my case?

4.      Could court costs and legal fees add up to more money than I can recover in this matter?

5.      Should I continue to pursue this case?

Moving Forward

If you decide to go forward with your case, you will have already established good communication with your lawyer. To avoid incurring additional fees, make sure you have provided your lawyer with all of the information he or she needs to proceed, including names, addresses, and phone numbers of people involved. Keep your lawyer informed with any new information concerning your case. However, do not call your lawyer unnecessarily because this may increase your costs.