People hire lawyers for many reasons. It could be as simple as writing a will or starting a business, or as complicated as criminal defense or a lawsuit for personal injury. Regardless of the case, there are several things you should consider before hiring a lawyer. As you interview prospective lawyers, consider the following questions.

#1-How much experience does the lawyer have with this particular work?

Lawyers are like doctors; they tend to be very specialized. Just like you wouldn’t go to a podiatrist to have your heart murmur checked out, a lawyer who usually handles medical malpractice may not be the best choice to help you write your last will and testament. For whatever type of case or legal work you are considering, first identify lawyers who work in that area. Many lawyers build an entire career around specific work or types of cases. Although many lawyers learned at some point how to write a will or defend a client, those who are currently practicing in the area are going to be most valuable. Asking the lawyer for references is a valuable way to determine how successful the recent experiences of their other clients have been.

#2-How much is this going to cost me?

Lawyers are like doctors in another way too—they are expensive. However, considering the legal headaches they can save you and how specialized their work is, the cost is usually appropriate. However, you should still find out how much the lawyer will charge. Again, this will vary widely with the type of work or case. A simple will or business start-up will probably involve a flat fee, while some cases involve hourly fees. For a lawsuit, some lawyers will charge a contingency fee (a percentage of the awarded settlement). In a few cases, lawyers’ fees are statutory, meaning they are set by the court or state. In any case, make sure that the fees are in writing.

3-Am I comfortable with this person?

Hiring a lawyer, even for something as simple as a will, is a big decision. Lawyers are trusted with the intimate details of your life and finances. In the case of criminal defense, your very freedom might be in their hands. Whatever the case, it is important that you feel comfortable around the lawyer. Does he or she listen well? Are your questions answered clearly and adequately? Are explanations easy to understand? Do you feel the lawyer will be responsive to your future inquiries? You must feel confident about your lawyer’s abilities and be comfortable working with the individual.