Once you’ve identified some candidates, call each attorney on the telephone, describe your legal issue and find out if the attorney handles your situation. Ask whether the attorney will charge you for an initial consultation. Also, ask what the attorney usually charges to handle your kind of case.

The initial consultation is an opportunity for you and the lawyer to get to know each other. After listening to the description of your case, the lawyer should be able to outline your rights and liabilities as well as alternative courses of action. The initial consultation is the lawyer’s opportunity to explain what he or she can do for you and how much it will cost. You should not hesitate to ask about the attorney’s experience in handling matters such as yours. Also, do not hesitate to ask about the lawyer’s fees and the likely results. If you are considering going beyond the initial consultation and hiring the lawyer, request a written fee agreement before proceeding.