Find out if the attorney practices in the area of law where you need help, and see if the attorney has handled cases of similar value to your case.  You do not want to hire a divorce attorney for a medical malpractice case.  You may want that person to refer you to a qualified attorney.  You do not want to hire a new attorney for your wrongful death unless the attorney associates with someone with experience.

Make sure the attorney can effectively represent you through the litigation process.  Going through a lawsuit is not easy, and most people have not gone through this process before.  You do not want to hire a lawyer only to learn later that the lawyer has never had a jury trial before, or is not familiar with the courtroom.

You want your case to settle, but you want to get as much as you can or at least a reasonable amount for your damages.  The best settlements come at the doorstep of the courthouse.  If the defendants do not think your attorney will take the case to trial, or do not think your attorney will be effective in trial, you will not get the best offer.  Over 95 percent of all cases filed in court are settled.

Find out how often the attorney has taken cases to trial.  Picking a jury is one of the keys to every case.  How many juries has the attorney picked?  In order to keep trial skills sharp an attorney must have experience in picking juries and usually must have tried many cases.  You are about to place your case in the hands of someone else; why would you choose someone with little or no experience.  If you choose an attorney without courtroom experience make sure that attorney will associate with someone with experience.

Make sure the attorney has the time to handle your case.  Beware of the small firm that handles hundreds of cases, settling everything without trying any cases.  Insurance companies and the defense attorneys in your area know who takes cases to trial and who settles every case.  If the attorney says he has an outside firm that does the big case litigation, find out who they are before you sign a contract.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer who is going to help you through trial.

Ask the people you know who they would hire.  Call different attorneys and ask what they think about the attorney you are thinking about hiring.  Look at the attorney’s website.  Drive by the attorney’s office.

Look out for attorneys who have catchy slogans or say they do everything.  There are great general practitioners, attorneys who handle everything that comes in the door.  However, that is great if your case is small or if you have many different needs for a lawyer.  In today’s specialized world the lawyers representing the defendants are experts in their areas of law, and you need an attorney that can compete with the defense attorneys.

Experience is the most important criteria, but others are important.  What additional training has the attorney received.  There are special programs for those serious about trying cases.  Has the attorney you are thinking of hiring received any special training?