Evaluating an Attorney

To evaluate an attorney, review these questions:

1. Does the attorney understand your goals?
2. Does the attorney listen, identify issues, and seem to be in tune with your needs?
3. Does s/he speak understandably or in "legaleze"?
4. Does the attorney have experience in the area of law you need, or does s/he primarily practice in another area?
5. How has s/he handled other cases like yours?
6. Have you compared different attorneys' retainer fees and their approaches to your case?
7. How long has the attorney been in practice?
8. How much experience has s/he had in the courtroom?
9. Will the attorney personally handle your case or will another attorney or paralegal be your primary contact?
10. Does the attorney openly and directly address your concerns? Answer your questions? Discuss his/her fees?
11. Can you review the Fee Agreement at home or are you pressured to sign right away?
12. Does the attorney explain the law, level with you, and explore options?
13. Does the attorney carry malpractice insurance? (Note: More than 50% in Arizona do not.)