However, keep in mind that there are law firms in New York, and elsewhere, that have dedicated trial lawyers. Their job is ONLY to try cases. Their other partners or associates handle the other parts of your case. In some other firms, you get one attorney and he (or she) handles your case from start to finish. Find out from your prospective attorney which one you can expect.

7. ASK THIS QUESTION TO EVERY ATTORNEY YOU SPEAK TO: How much is my case worth?

Why? Because there are some attorneys who will claim, on your very first visit that your case is worth a ton of money- some even say "Millions!" Others are not so cavalier, and take a more cautious approach.

If a lawyer tells you your case is worth Millions, ask him to put that in writing. Why? Because no lawyer can promise or guarantee any outcome to a client. Watch what happens when you ask that lawyer to put his 'guarantee' in writing. He'll quickly backtrack and make some excuse for not putting it in writing. Be careful of an attorney who makes such promises without thoroughly knowing all the facts of your case, and without having reviewed your records.

8. What are your success stories? What's your record?

It's important to know how an attorney has done in the past on other types of cases. What results has he achieved recently?

Obviously every case is different. But you still need to know whether he's ever achieved large settlements or verdicts. If the biggest case he ever handled was small claims court, then maybe this attorney isn't right for your type of case.

9. Does he have a web site? Does he advertise?

Does he have a presence on the internet? Why is this important? You want to know what type of material he has on his website. Is it a basic information card with bland material, or does he provide a reader with important information they need to know to educate them, BEFORE, they ever call him or walk into his office.

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