6 Questions You Should Ask the Best Lawyer

Choosing a lawyer is a decision that can determine not only the outcome of a case, but also your peace of mind, your reputation, your financial well-being, and sometimes even your freedom. A mistake in choosing a specialist can be costly: Incompetent lawyers often result in lost time and money, and even a loss of justice. Therefore, it's important to ask the right questions before engaging someone to represent your interests. These questions will help you determine whether you are truly dealing with an expert you can trust.

1. What experience do you have in cases similar to mine?

This is the first and perhaps most important question you should ask the best lawyer. Legal practice is a broad field, and no specialist can be equally knowledgeable in all areas. Experience in a specific field, like criminal law, common law, family law, business law, etc., plays a crucial role.

For example, if you have an inheritance dispute, you should not contact a lawyer who primarily deals with criminal cases. A good lawyer will not only share their experience but also provide examples of successful cases from their practice, highlight the specifics they have encountered, and explain how they will approach your case.

2. How do you assess the chances of success of my case?

The answer to this question will help you understand how honest and realistic the lawyer is. A professional will never give 100% guarantees—that is the first sign of integrity. An experienced lawyer can objectively assess the strengths and weaknesses of a client's case, predict possible outcomes, and offer various courses of action.

If a lawyer immediately promises you a "guaranteed victory," be wary. The law is unpredictable, and even with impeccable preparation, there is a risk of unexpected twists and turns. A true professional will honestly explain your chances, what can be improved, and what risks to consider.

3. What strategy will be used to protect my interests?

Legal work requires not only legal knowledge but also tactics. The best lawyer always acts according to a well-thought-out plan, not spontaneously. Ask the lawyer to briefly describe the planned steps: taking evidence, pre-trial negotiations, filing a lawsuit, interviewing witnesses, and potential lawsuits.

The more substantial and logical the lawyer presents their plan, the more likely you are to be dealing with a true expert. If the answers are vague and unconvincing, this may indicate a lack of experience or interest in your case.

4. How are your fees calculated, and what additional costs may arise?

Money is a sensitive but important topic. A good lawyer will not shy away from providing clear answers about their fees. They will explain what their fees consist of, which services are included, and which are billed separately.

Some lawyers work on a fixed fee basis, others on an hourly or contingency fee basis. It's important to discuss everything in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. A lawyer always draws up a contract that outlines the payment terms and obligations of the parties—a sign of transparency and trust.

5. Who exactly will be handling my case?

In large law firms, it's common for one person to communicate with the client while another handles the case. This isn't always a bad thing, but you should know who will represent your interests. Ask to meet with the person who will draft documents, attend meetings, and advise you.

The best lawyers don't hide behind colleagues or shirk responsibility. They personally oversee the process, coordinate the team's work, and maintain constant contact with the client. If they avoid you, mention their busy schedule, or refer your case to assistants without explanation, this is a red flag.

6. How will you keep me informed about the progress of the case?

Communication is a key element of trust between attorney and client. You should know how often and how the attorney will inform you of updates: by email, instant messaging, in person, or by phone. A true professional sets clear rules for working together: when you will receive reports, who will answer questions, and how long it will take to prepare answers.

If the attorney omits certain details or promises to keep you updated without providing a clear timeline, this may indicate a lack of organization. Good attorneys know that clients have a right to be informed about the status of their case. They prepare reports, provide copies of documents, and explain all the steps.