As a general rule in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many reputable lawyers don’t advertise in newspapers or the Yellow Pages. Don’t assume that the size of the Yellow Page ad means that a lawyer is better qualified than one with a small ad (or no ad at all). Always review a lawyer's background. LegalMatch makes this easy with the profiles we offer on our LegalMatch Member Attorneys. These help you learn about a lawyer's experience and qualifications.

If, without your permission, a lawyer or someone acting on his behalf contacts you in person or by telephone and asks you to hire him in connection with your accident, it is commonly referred to as “ambulance chasing.” This is against the Legal Rules of Professional Conduct. When a lawyer will break those rules to get your business, he is probably not the kind of lawyer you want representing you.

No two contingency fee arrangements are alike. Find out if your lawyer will take his fee “off the top” or only after all the expenses are counted up. Insist on getting this information in writing and in clear, direct language that you are comfortable with. Typical expenses include: court costs (fees for filing a lawsuit), court reporter and copies of transcripts, expert witness fees, private investigator, postage, telephone, courier, photocopying, legal research, out of town air or car transportation, and hotel and meal expenses. LegalMatch Member Attorneys will typically provide this information in their responses to your case.

Some contracts specify that even if you fire a lawyer, he still gets a large percentage of any future award or settlement you may receive on your case. Make sure you know how to fire your lawyer – before you hire him.

Ask your state bar association if your lawyer has ever been the subject of an ethical complaint or inquiry. Knowing if your lawyer has a pattern of questionable conduct could alert you to potential problems and save you time and money. LegalMatch Member Attorneys are pre-screened for such violations prior to joining LegalMatch.

Lawyers don’t just sue. In fact, suing can be one of the more expensive and time-consuming ways for you to get compensated. Make sure your lawyer has an open mind about alternative means to resolve your problem, such as mediation or arbitration.

Consider several lawyers before selecting one. It is important that you find someone who has the skills you need, who will be honest with you and who will work hard on your behalf. Make sure you review all the responses from attorneys on your LegalMatch homepage and carefully read each LegalMatch Member Attorney’s profile to learn about his or her experience and qualifications. Then, check out each attorney’s LegalMatch Client-Rating to find out the experiences of other clients with this attorney.

Be prepared when you call or meet with the lawyer you selected. Make a list of questions so you get the information you need. If you think you might feel intimidated asking these questions in person, e-mail them to the LegalMatch Member Attorney and don’t agree to anything until you get the answers. Focus on what you want to know, including asking for references, recent cases they handled, whether or not they have tried similar cases, if they will have a less experienced lawyer working on your case instead of handling it themselves, or if they will refer you to a different lawyer if it looks like you will be going to court.

Never sign anything until you have time to review it and consider other responses, and certainly do not sign anything you do not fully understand.