Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about credentials—it’s about clarity, expectations, and trust. Before you move forward with any attorney, you should be asking the right questions to avoid surprises down the road.
In the video below, Erik breaks down the exact questions every client should ask before hiring a lawyer:
👉 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFupcEczJe8
Let’s walk through those key questions and why they matter.
1. How Are You Going to Get Paid?
This should always be your first question.
Different lawyers use different fee structures, including:
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Hourly billing
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Flat fees
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Contingency fees (common in personal injury cases)
Make sure you clearly understand:
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How the lawyer gets paid
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When payments are due
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Whether there are additional costs (filing fees, experts, etc.)
No one likes billing surprises—get this clear upfront.
2. Do You Have Experience Handling My Type of Case?
Not all lawyers handle the same types of cases, even within the same practice area.
Ask whether the attorney has:
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Worked on cases similar to yours
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Experience with your specific legal issue
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A track record in this area
You want someone who knows the landscape—not someone figuring it out as they go.
3. Who Is Actually Going to Handle My Case?
This is one of the most overlooked questions.
At many firms:
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The lawyer you meet may not be the one doing the day-to-day work
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Your case could be handled by an associate or paralegal
Be clear on:
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Who is responsible for your case
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Who your main point of contact will be
This avoids confusion and frustration later.
4. How Are We Going to Communicate?
Communication can make or break your experience with a lawyer.
Ask:
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Will updates be by phone, email, or both?
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How often will I hear from you?
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Who do I contact with questions?
Setting expectations early prevents misunderstandings.
5. What Should I Expect When I Try to Get in Touch With You?
This goes a step deeper than general communication.
You want to know:
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How quickly the lawyer (or their team) responds
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Whether you’ll get same-day replies or longer delays
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What the process is for urgent questions
This helps you understand what level of responsiveness is normal.
6. How Long Should I Wait Before I Become Concerned?
This is a practical—and often overlooked—question.
Legal cases can involve periods of little activity, but you should still know:
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What’s considered a normal response time
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When it’s appropriate to follow up
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When a lack of communication becomes a problem
This gives you a clear benchmark and peace of mind.
Why These Questions Matter
Asking these questions does more than just gather information—it sets the tone for your entire relationship with your lawyer.
It helps you:
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Avoid miscommunication
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Understand expectations on both sides
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Choose a lawyer who fits your needs
Most importantly, it puts you in control of the process.
Watch the Full Breakdown
If you want a deeper explanation of each of these questions and how to use them in a real consultation, watch Erik walk through them here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFupcEczJe8
Final Thoughts
Hiring a lawyer is an important decision. Taking a few extra minutes to ask the right questions can save you significant time, money, and stress later on.
If you’re considering legal representation, start with these questions—and make sure you feel confident in the answers before moving forward.
