Questions to Ask a Prospective Lawyer Does the attorney regularly handle this type of matter for this type of client? How much time is required for this project? What time frame can I expect for this legal matter? (Best case and worst case scenario.) Is there a set fee or a flat fee for doing the work? Is there a contingent fee option? If there is not a flat fee or contingency fee, what is the hourly rate? What is the minimum amount of time that will be billed? (Usually fifteen minutes if billing by quarter of an hour or six minutes if billing in tenths of an hour.) Does the law firm practice value billing? What, if any, retainer is required? Do I have to maintain a certain minimum amount in the retainer? Which attorneys or assistants will be working on my matter? Will they be billed at different rates? What is an estimate of the total fee and costs? (Best and worst case scenario.) How much research time do you anticipate will be needed? What are the other costs involved? Are long distance calls anticipated? Will overnight mailings or courier fees be necessary? Am I expected to reimburse the firm at its cost for copies, phone calls, and faxes or will those be charged at a higher rate? What is that higher rate? If an attorney is in court representing me, will I be charged for parking costs, mileage, and meal expenses for everyone working on the lawsuit? Am I charged travel time if an attorney is traveling to another city on my behalf? What is the billing rate for travel time? Does the attorney refer to other attorneys if a matter is beyond his or her expertise? Does the attorney return phone calls promptly? Can you reach the attorney in times of emergency, either through office staff or a mobile or home phone number? The Consultant's Legal Guide, by Elaine Biech and Linda Byars Swindling. Copyright ©1999 by Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer RETURN