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The Lawyer Vetting Kit™
Your Complete System for Choosing Legal Representation with Confidence
A strategic framework trusted by thousands to find the right attorney—the first time.
📋Before You Begin: Your Strategic Intake Brief
Complete this section before you start your search—it transforms scattered thoughts into a crystal-clear hiring mandate.
Define Your Matter
Matter Type:
- Personal Injury
- Family Law
- Criminal Defense
- Business/Corporate
- Real Estate
- Estate Planning
- Employment
- Other:
Urgency Level:
- Immediate (days)
- High (2-4 weeks)
- Moderate (1-3 months)
- Planning ahead
Complexity:
- Straightforward
- Moderate
- Highly complex
- Precedent-setting
Urgency Level:
💰 Financial Parameters
- ___ Contingency (% of recovery, common in personal injury)
- ___ Flat fee (one price for defined scope)
- ___ Hourly (pay as you go)
- ___ Hybrid (retainer + contingency or hourly + cap)
🎯 Your Non-Negotiables
- Solo
- Boutique (2-10)
- Mid-size
- Large/National
- Trial experience vs. settlement focus
⚠️ Conflicts to Flag
✅ Success Metrics
📧 Phase 1: Intelligent Outreach
Copy, customize, and send to your shortlist
Subject Line: Legal Representation Inquiry – [Your Matter Type] – [Your Industry/Situation]
Dear [Attorney Name],
I'm seeking experienced counsel for [brief 1-sentence description: e.g., “a commercial lease dispute with a former landlord” or “representation in a DUI case with aggravating circumstances”].
Timeline: [e.g., “Demand letter received; 30-day response deadline” or “Anticipated filing in Q2 2025”]
What I need from you:
To evaluate fit, could you please provide:
- Relevant experience – 3 comparable matters you've handled (brief outcome summary)
- Proposed team – Who would lead and who would staff day-to-day?
- Fee approach – Your typical structure for this matter type and rough budget parameters
- Conflicts check – Confirmation you can run a preliminary conflicts screen for [opposing party/related entities]
- Availability – Open for a 20-30 minute call this week or next?
I'm evaluating a short list of counsel and aim to decide by [date].
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
📊 Phase 2: Systematic Comparison
Rate each candidate 1–5, then calculate totals
| Criteria | Candidate A | Candidate B | Candidate C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevant expertise (depth in your exact issue) |
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| Track record (wins/outcomes in similar matters) |
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| Team strength (seniority, staffing plan, support) |
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| Communication style (clarity, responsiveness, fit) |
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| Fee transparency (clear structure, fits budget) |
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| No conflicts (independence confirmed) |
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| Cultural alignment (values, approach, rapport) |
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| Proactivity (strategic thinking, anticipates issues) |
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| TOTAL SCORE | /40 | /40 | /40 |
💬 Phase 3: The Interview—Questions That Reveal Everything
Choose 6-10 questions based on your matter type. Listen for specifics, not generalities.
🔷 Universal Questions (All Matter Types)
Tests strategic thinking and case assessment skills
Verifies real experience and self-awareness
Exposes bait-and-switch risk
Tests financial discipline and transparency
Critical for business clients and sensitive matters
Sets expectations; prevents frustration
⚖️ Litigation-Specific Questions
Reveals approach and cost implications
Tests judgment and client-centeredness
Solo practitioners sometimes partner; firms sometimes swap in trial specialists
💼 Transactional/Business Questions
Reveals deal philosophy and market awareness
Tests real-world experience vs. academic knowledge
Reveals temperament and creativity
💵 Phase 4: Fee Structure Deep Dive
Don't just ask “how much?”—understand the ENTIRE financial picture.
Fee Structure Checklist (Get answers in writing)
| Partner: | $__/hr |
| Senior associate: | $__/hr |
| Junior associate: | $__/hr |
| Paralegal: | $__/hr |
| Expected monthly burn rate: | $_____ |
- Total fee: $__________ for: [defined scope]
- Payment schedule: __________
- Change order process: How are out-of-scope requests priced?
- Exclusions: What's not included?
- Percentage: ____% (does it increase if case goes to trial?)
- Costs advanced or reimbursed? Who pays expert witnesses, filing fees, deposition costs?
- Settlement approval: Do you have final say or must approve offers?
- Is there a fee cap or "not-to-exceed" amount? $__________
- Any success bonuses or holdbacks tied to outcomes?
- Volume discounts for ongoing work?
- Are expenses billed at cost or marked up? _____%
- Administrative/overhead charges? $__________
- Travel billed at full rate or discounted?
- Technology/copy/research fees? $__________
- Billing Cycle:
- Monthly
- Bi-weekly
- Milestone-based
- Payment due:
- Upon Receipt
- Net 15
- Net 30
- Write-off policy: Can you request billing audits or reductions?
- E-billing/detailed invoices: Format and line-item detail?
🚩 Phase 5: Red Flags—Walk Away If You See These
Your gut is data. Trust it when you spot:
Vague Credentials
"I do everything" or can't cite 2-3 comparable matters with real outcomes
Bait-and-Switch
The partner sells you, but a brand-new associate will do all the work (and you weren't told)
Budget Evasion
"Every case is different" or "We'll see how it goes" instead of ranges and assumptions
Vague Credentials
"Every case is different" or "We'll see how it goes" instead of ranges and assumptions
Pressure Tactics
"You need to sign today" or "Other clients are waiting for this slot"
Conflicts Dodging
Reluctance to run a conflicts check or dismissive answers about related parties
Poor Communication
If they're slow/sloppy now, imagine after you've paid the retainer
Online Red Flags
Complaints about ethics, billing disputes, or disciplinary actions (check your state bar)
Defensive or Arrogant
Can't handle questions, talks down to you, or dismisses your concerns
📞 Phase 6: Reference Checks—5 Minutes That Reveal Truth
Always ask for 2-3 client references. Use this script (5-7 minutes per call):
Reference Call Script
“Hi [Reference Name], [Attorney] gave me your name as I'm considering hiring them for [matter type]. Do you have 5 minutes?”
Confirms relevance and recency
Listen for specifics: "Negotiated a 40% reduction" vs. "They were nice"
Candid references will give you something; evasion is a flag
This predicts your experience
Money awkwardness emerges here
The ultimate question
Opens the door for volunteered concerns
📑 Phase 7: Engagement Letter Essentials
Before you sign, ensure the engagement letter includes these must-haves:
(specifically what is and is not included)
(names, roles, rates) and any substitution rights
(detailed rate schedule OR flat/contingency terms with triggers)
(what you'll be billed for beyond fees)
(frequency, due dates, late fees, audit rights)
(any waivers you're being asked to sign—read carefully)
(how your information will be protected)
(primary contact, expected response times, reporting)
(either party, notice required, final bill, file transfer)
(mediation/arbitration for fee disputes?)
(which state's rules govern the attorney-client relationship)
(how long they keep your files post-matter)
Ask for explanations or request edits. A good attorney welcomes engaged clients.
🎯 Phase 8: Final Decision Framework
One-Page Decision Note
Complete before you decide
| 1. | ____________________ | Matrix score: ___/40 |
| 2. | ____________________ | Matrix score: ___/40 |
| 3. | ____________________ | Matrix score: ___/40 |
| Factor | Why Candidate __ Wins |
|---|---|
| Experience | |
| Cost/Value | |
| Team/Fit | |
| Availability |
- [e.g., "Candidate A is pricier but has 10+ years in this niche"]
- [e.g., "Candidate B is a solo—less support staff but more partner attention"]
- Phase 1 estimated cost: $__________
- Review checkpoint: [date/milestone]
- Total matter budget: $__________
- Sign engagement letter with: _____________________
- Transfer/gather documents by: [date]
- Schedule kickoff call: [date/time]
🚀 Phase 9: Onboarding for Success
Post-Selection Onboarding Checklist
- Set up client portal, secure email, or encrypted file share
- Upload key documents (contracts, correspondence, evidence, corporate records)
- Confirm attorney has everything needed to start
- Draft agenda: case summary, immediate priorities, timeline, roles, communication plan
- Identify first 3 deliverables and deadlines
- Clarify decision-making authority (what you approve vs. attorney discretion)
- Primary channel:
- Phone
- Client portal
- Slack/Teams
- Routine updates:
- Weekly
- Bi-weekly
- Monthly
- Milestone-based
- Urgent contact method: [phone number / after-hours protocol]
- Response time SLA: Routine = ____ hours; Urgent = ____ hours
- Invoice review:
- Monthly
- Real-time portal access
- Budget check-ins: [schedule quarterly or phase-based reviews]
- Variance alerts: Attorney agrees to flag if matter exceeds __% of estimate
- Meet associates, paralegals, and support staff who'll work on your matter
- Clarify who handles what and who's your primary day-to-day contact
- Document key dates: filing deadlines, discovery cutoffs, trial/closing dates
- Build a shared calendar or project tracker
⚖️ Final Reminder: This Is Not Legal Advice
Important Legal Disclaimer:
I am not a lawyer, and nothing in this Lawyer Vetting Kit constitutes legal advice. This resource is designed solely as an educational guide to help you ask informed questions and make better decisions when evaluating legal representation. Every legal matter is unique, and the laws governing attorney-client relationships vary by jurisdiction.
The checklist, templates, and recommendations provided here are general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
You should always:
- Consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice tailored to your circumstances
- Verify that any attorney you consider is licensed, in good standing, and authorized to practice in the relevant jurisdiction(s)
- Review your state's bar association resources for guidance on selecting and working with attorneys
Attorney Engine is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. We are a resource platform connecting individuals with information to make confident, informed decisions when seeking legal counsel.
About Attorney Engine
At Attorney Engine, whether you're dealing with a personal injury, family dispute, criminal charge, or business matter, we give you the information and connections to move forward confidently.
We're not a law firm—we're your trusted guide to finding the right lawyer.
Our mission is to demystify the process of hiring legal representation, empowering you with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to make one of the most important decisions you'll face in your legal journey.
