How long has the lawyer been practicing law?
	What types of cases has the attorney handled?
	What additional knowledge or experience does the firm possess that might help you with your case or matter?
	What is the attorney’s educational background and credentials?
	What work experience does he or she have? What are the Attorneys fees or hourly rate?

Personality
In addition to experience, studies indicate that the personality of a lawyer is just as important in the selection process as his or her experience. 

	What type of personality does the lawyer have?
	Does the attorney have a professional appearance?
	Is he or she someone that you’ll feel comfortable talking to?
	Will you trust them?
	Will he or she be empathetic to your story, cause or situation?

Make an Appointment
The next step is to select a lawyer, call them, and set up an appointment.  Sauvola & Associates, P.A., prefers to meet with our clients in person rather than discussing the matter on the phone.  We will also travel or make arrangements to meet you at a convenient location.

Lawyers earn a living by selling their time.  Their time is spent researching, reading documents, preparing documents, making telephone calls, meeting with various parties, directing subordinates involved, giving advice and going to court.  You should not expect a lawyer to answer specific legal questions or provide free legal advice. Please respect their time.

Lawyers do not generally advertise the rates or fees that they charge for their service. Generally speaking, more experienced attorneys charge higher fees than less experienced lawyers. Lawyers in larger firms typically charge higher fees than lawyers in smaller firms. And, usually lawyers located in metropolitan areas charge higher fees than those located in smaller towns or rural communities.

Your particular legal issue will also effect what your final costs will be.  For example, a divorce in which both parties agree on everything will cost much less than one where the parties are battling over property, children and support.  Lawyers will generally only take accident, injury, product liability or malpractice type cases on a contingency basis.  You should expect to pay an hourly rate or flat fee for all other types of matters. Unless you are a frequent client and have a preexisting relationship, most lawyers will require a retainer, or cash up front, before they begin working on your issue. 

When you speak with the lawyers that you select you will want answers to these questions.

	Does the lawyer offer a free initial consultation?
	Will the lawyer bill you hourly, a flat fee or accept the case on a contingency basis?
	What is the total estimated cost?
	What can you do to help minimize the legal fees?
	How much money will you have to provide up front?
	How long will it take to conclude the matter?