San Diego Metropolitan - Checklist For Hiring An Attorney

Knowing a good attorney is best, but you also could check the ratings in Martindale-Hubbell lawyer listing service. The ratings are compiled by M-H in confidential interviews with judges and lawyers in their practice specialty.

Attorneys are rated A, B or C for their quality of lawyering. The rating system also provides three grades for professionalism. The highest is V, so look for an AV lawyer. Online, Martindale-Hubbell offers listings and advice for hiring an attorney at lawyers.com.

Here is a checklist of a dozen questions M-H recommends you ask before hiring a lawyer:

What is your experience in this field?

Have you handled matters like mine?

What are the possible outcomes of my case?

What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?

About how long will it take to resolve?

Do you recommend mediation or arbitration?

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?

Who else in the office will be working on my case?

Can junior attorneys or paralegals in the office handle some of the administrative work at a lower rate?

— Richard Acello