What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Asked by: Aliya Hahn  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

What are your rates and how often will you bill me? What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses? How will you keep me informed of progress? What kind of approach will you take to resolve the matter - aggressive and unyielding, or will you be more inclined to reach a reasonable settlement?

What is the best question to ask a lawyer?

If you're looking for representation, you'd ask questions along these lines: What do you think about my case? Have you worked on similar matters? What are my options? What is the anticipated cost with each option? How many matters have you handled in my practice area? What sorts of payment plans do you accept?

What should I say to a lawyer?

What You Should Tell Your Lawyer:
  • The Truth: It may seem obvious, but it's crucial to be honest with your lawyer. ...
  • Your Goals: Be clear about what you hope to achieve by seeking legal representation. ...
  • Your Finances: Be transparent about your financial situation, including your ability to pay legal fees.

What are good questions to ask law firms?

12 questions to ask a law firm in an interview
  • What do you like most about working here? ...
  • How does the firm distribute assignments? ...
  • What type of feedback can I expect and how often will I receive it? ...
  • How do you expect the firm to grow in the next five to 10 years?

What do lawyers love the most?

  • Reading : Many lawyers enjoy reading, whether it's legal literature, novels, or non-fiction.
  • Sports and Fitness : Engaging in physical activities such as running, cycling, or participating in team sports is popular.
  • Networking and Socializing

How to ask Lawyers Questions

15 related questions found

Do attractive lawyers do better?

With a final dataset containing more than 3,000 judicial votes and 1,000 cases, I find that more attractive attorneys are consistently and significantly more likely to win individual judges' votes and cases than their less attractive counterparts.

What makes a lawyer happy?

LAWYERS ARE PEOPLE, TOO.

As it turns out, the same things that make everyone else happy: purpose-driven work with some autonomy; supportive supervision; meaningful connections with clients, family, and friends; and a sense that you're performing your work skillfully.

How do I prepare to meet a lawyer?

Before your first meeting with a lawyer:
  1. Jot down the key points in your case to share with them.
  2. Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case.
  3. Bring all papers related to the case. Some lawyers may want to review the papers before your meeting.

What questions are lawyers allowed to ask?

Some examples of questions that a defense attorney might ask during direct examination include:
  • Can you describe the defendant's demeanor on the day of the incident?
  • Did the defendant seem intoxicated or under the influence of drugs?
  • What was the defendant wearing at the time?

What are some legal questions?

  • If I have been involved in an auto accident, should I go to the doctor? ...
  • What information should I document following an accident? ...
  • If the accident was my fault, should I say so? ...
  • What exactly is bankruptcy? ...
  • How does bankruptcy affect my credit? ...
  • How long does the bankruptcy process take?

How can you tell a good lawyer?

How to Know if Your Lawyer is Trustworthy
  1. You Can Verify Their Credentials. Any reputable attorney will be easy to verify. ...
  2. There Are Positive Reviews Online. When people are satisfied with a law firm's service, they often want to tell others. ...
  3. They Have Clear Practice Areas. ...
  4. Discuss Your Case With an Attorney in St.

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

What is a nice message for a lawyer?

To my attorney: Thank you again for your hard work and working extra hard to ensure our success. Attorney- A special thank you for all your help over the years. I know it's your job, but it's my life- and I feel you went above and beyond and I just want to express my appreciation.

Should you be 100% honest with your lawyer?

Importance of Honesty When Your Lawyer Wants the Details

On the other hand, many lawyers want to hear from their clients exactly what happened. They typically encourage their clients to be truthful for the sake of crafting an effective defense. Only that way can the defense attorney know what will—and won't—work.

Do lawyers answer questions for free?

In California, as in other states, free legal advice is available by simple calling 1-800-THE-LAW2 and getting connected to one of the attorneys in our network.

How to start a conversation with a lawyer?

First time speaking to a lawyer? Let's make this easy, start with “hello.”
  1. There is no such thing as a quick question.
  2. Collect your thoughts, find the time, and find the place to have the conversation.
  3. Let the lawyer lead the conversation and ask the questions.
  4. Patience.

What are the best questions to ask a lawyer?

What are your rates and how often will you bill me? What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses? How will you keep me informed of progress? What kind of approach will you take to resolve the matter - aggressive and unyielding, or will you be more inclined to reach a reasonable settlement?

How to question like a lawyer?

5 essential questioning techniques for legal professionals
  1. #1 Open-ended versus closed-ended questioning.
  2. #2 Funnel questioning.
  3. #3 Asking probing questions.
  4. #4 Asking leading questions.
  5. #5 Asking rhetorical questions.

Can I tell everything to my lawyer?

The short answer is no, a lawyer cannot snitch on their client. As mentioned earlier, attorney-client privilege ensures exchanges between you and your lawyer remain private.

What to wear when meeting a lawyer for the first time?

You don't have to opt for formal wear necessarily, but make sure you look presentable. Wear business casual attire. Women can wear a nice dress with dress shoes, while men can wear khakis with a nice polo. There are no strict and exact rules here, but try to make the best impression possible.

What to say to your lawyer?

Always be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. The more your attorney knows, the more he or she can help you. Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you. Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.

What do lawyers love most?

Here's what lawyers love the most about practicing law:
  • 64%: Helping clients.
  • 29%: Intellectual stimulation.

Do lawyers get depression?

A nationwide study of ~13,000 lawyers indicated that 28% experienced depression, 19% reported anxiety, 21% had alcohol use problems, and 11% had problems with drug use [3].

Did lawyers get paid by the word?

In the past, writing wasn't the only profession where work was paid per word. Legal scriveners in the 19th century, for example, once charged per word—not because their space was limited, but unlimited. In other words, the practice allowed some lawyers to inflate their fees with nonsense writing.