Who will handle my case?
Ask who will be responsible for your representation, who will appear in court, and whom you should contact with questions. If other lawyers or staff will take part, ask what they will do.
Knowing the contact person and division of work makes communication easier once representation begins.
What experience is relevant?
Ask about the lawyer's experience with the court and issues involved in your situation. Invite an explanation of what makes your matter different from other cases.
Past results and experience can provide context. Ask how the lawyer will evaluate your facts rather than treating a prior result as a promise.
What happens next?
Ask what the lawyer needs to review before offering an assessment, which dates matter now, and which decisions may be approaching. Find out what work the proposed representation includes.
A useful first conversation can identify immediate priorities even when the lawyer needs more information to assess the case.
How will we communicate?
Ask how the office provides updates, which channel to use for questions, and how to flag an approaching deadline. Find out who monitors messages and what response expectations are realistic.
Discuss practical needs such as accessibility, scheduling and safe ways to receive messages.
How are fees and costs handled?
Ask about the fee arrangement, payments, potential additional costs and what the quoted scope includes. Request an explanation of the engagement agreement before signing it.
If another person will pay, discuss how that arrangement affects billing and communication. Ask about any work that would require a separate agreement.
What do you need from me?
Ask which documents to gather and how to share them. Confirm your next step, including whether the lawyer has agreed to represent you and whether you need to complete an engagement agreement.
Keep your list of questions. You should leave knowing what remains undecided, who will follow up, and which dates you must still attend to.