Last updated on November 6th, 2026 at 10:36 pm
A useful first conversation should clarify four things: whether the lawyer handles your problem, who would do the work, what the arrangement would cost and what happens next.
You do not need legal vocabulary to ask. You need explanations you can understand and enough information to decide whether the relationship fits your situation. A confident sales pitch is not a substitute for that clarity.
“Does this matter fit your practice?”
Give a short account of when and where the incident happened, who was involved and your main concern. Mention court papers, insurer letters and approaching dates early rather than saving them for the end.
Ask about experience with similar issues and what facts still need review. An honest answer may include uncertainty. A promised outcome is not a substitute for examining the records.
The State Bar’s lawyer-selection guide provides questions to consider when choosing an attorney.
“Who would handle the case and my questions?”
The person you speak with first may not be responsible for every part of the matter. Ask who would handle the legal work, who provides routine updates and how urgent questions reach the right person.
- Would you handle the case personally, or would other lawyers work on it?
- Who should receive documents or information about a change in circumstances?
- How would I receive updates, and what should I do if something is urgent?
“What would I pay—and when?”
First ask whether the initial discussion has a charge. If representation is proposed, request the fee arrangement and scope of work in writing.
If the proposal uses a contingency fee, ask how the percentage is calculated. Ask about expenses separately: filing fees, records, experts and other case costs are not simply another name for the lawyer’s fee.
- Is the fee calculated before or after case expenses?
- Who pays expenses while the case is underway?
- What could I owe if there is no recovery?
- What work is included, and what needs a separate agreement?
A phrase such as “no fee unless you win” does not answer every expense question. The agreement needs to explain the terms. The State Bar’s fees guide distinguishes fees from costs and identifies questions about both.
“Have you agreed to represent me?”
Make the status explicit: is the office still evaluating the inquiry, or has it agreed to act? What work has it agreed to do? Who is responsible for the next step?
If a deadline may be approaching, raise it directly. Do not rely on an unanswered message or assume that sending documents means someone is already handling the matter.
The State Bar’s guidance on working with an attorney explains the importance of understanding the work and costs, providing relevant information and keeping copies.
If you are considering replacing a lawyer, read what to clarify before changing representation before assuming a new relationship has begun.
For a case that feels stalled, the claim-delay guide helps you ask what is holding up the next step.
Comparing two firms? Ask the same questions
Keep a short note for each consultation: the attorney responsible, the update contact, the fee calculation, expenses if there is no recovery and the next step. Compare those answers alongside relevant experience—not the size of an advertised result.
A five-line note to take away
- Status: reviewing the inquiry or agreed to act?
- Person: who handles the next step?
- Documents: what is needed and how should it be sent?
- Costs: what agreement or explanation should I receive?
- Follow-up: when should I contact the office again?
If an answer is unclear, ask for it in simpler language. The goal is not to sound knowledgeable in the meeting. It is to leave knowing what has—and has not—been agreed.
To ask about an injury-related matter the firm handles, tell John what happened or call (888) 508-6806. Begin with a brief description and ask how to send supporting records.
Before contacting this office, you can also read about John and the practice.
General information about choosing and working with a lawyer, not a description of a particular firm’s fees, response time or acceptance process.
