Verification
Record the lawyer expected to supervise the matter and verify public license information with the relevant state authority.
- Lawyer name
- License status and jurisdiction
- Conflicts check completed
Matter fit
Ask how the firm would evaluate this kind of matter and what information it needs. Note concrete answers and unresolved questions rather than a sales impression.
- Relevant work described
- Initial investigation plan
- Issues or limitations identified
Working relationship
Compare who communicates, how documents are shared, and what response expectations the firm sets.
- Primary contact
- Update frequency
- Secure document process
- After-hours expectations
Written terms
Compare scope, fees, expenses, and termination terms from the proposed agreements. Ask each firm to explain the same hypothetical distribution.
- Fee method
- Expense treatment
- Services excluded
- Closing accounting