Consultation question planner
Attorney Interview Question Builder
Create a focused checklist for screening calls, consultations, or final candidate comparisons.
Select a broad legal topic, conversation stage, fee arrangement, and priorities. The tool combines general hiring questions with prompts relevant to those selections.
Listen for specific, understandable answers
- Ask what experience is relevant—not only total years in practice.
- Confirm who will do the work and who will answer routine questions.
- Request fee scope, billing practices, and other expected costs in writing.
- Avoid promises of a result; ask about uncertainty and alternatives.
Tailored consultation checklist
Questions to ask an attorney
These are general hiring questions, not a complete list for every situation. The attorney may need a conflict check and more information before discussing representation or giving legal advice.
Use the checklist as a conversation guide
You do not need to ask every question in one call. For a short screening conversation, focus on whether the attorney handles the general area, practices in the relevant jurisdiction, is available, and offers an appropriate consultation. A longer consultation can cover experience, possible approaches, responsibility for the work, communication, fees, costs, and next steps.
Answers may remain preliminary until the attorney reviews documents and completes a conflict check. Ask which statements are estimates, what could change, and which terms will appear in the written engagement agreement. Be cautious of guarantees or pressure to sign before important terms are clear.