You should always select a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and confident working. You can expect to discuss personal information with your attorney, so find someone to whom you are able to talk openly. Information that you share with an attorney whom you have hired, or whom you are considering hiring, is confidential. You should be honest with a lawyer you consult to enable him or her to best assist you.

Be prepared for discussions and meetings with your attorney. Your lawyer will need to review background information and other materials that relate to your case, so spend time organizing your thoughts before you pick up the telephone to call an attorney or go for your initial visit. It is most helpful to write out a time-line of events and to have written down the names, addresses and phone numbers of the individuals or companies that may be important in your case. Be sure to safeguard and bring with you any paperwork that may relate to the issues for which you are seeking help.

Ask your lawyer to fully explain his or her billing and payment policies. Lawyers typically charge a fee for their time and advice in one of three ways:

• by the hour;
• on a per-project or flat-fee basis; and
• on a contingency basis.

Attorney’s fees are separate from any expenses related to your case, so you may also be charged separately for investigations, photocopies, professional witnesses, court transcripts, and other expenses related to pursuing your case. Discuss and clarify the terms of your payment agreement with your attorney in advance of accepting services. An attorney’s time and advice are his or her livelihood and cannot typically be given away free.