The list is overwhelming, and it is difficult to determine who to call based on the advertisements placed therein. If you know an attorney in the area who practices where the matter is to be litigated or have hired one for another purpose it may be helpful to ask for a recommendation. Regardless of how a lawyer is located, it is important to interview an attorney at the start of the process to ensure that he or she has the qualifications and experience that you desire. It is helpful to remember that you are hiring the attorney to work for you. It may be useful to prepare written questions for an attorney in advance of your appointment to get the most out of your meeting, and to insure that all of your important issues are discussed.
Attorneys often provide a consultation which can last for a half hour or more.
At a consultation, you can question the attorney to determine whether he or she can assist you with your legal problems. You can also inquire regarding the fees charged and services that the attorney provides. Many attorneys ask for a retainer from potential clients which is required to be given to the attorney prior to performing any work for a client. A retainer is a deposit of money which is placed in a special trust account until fees are actually earned by an attorney. Find out before or during the consultation whether or not the retainer is refundable.