1. How many years have you practiced law? Your prospective attorney should not be a novice. Younger attorneys, however, might be utilized to perform some of the work on your case but they should not be given full case management authority.

2. Do you have malpractice insurance? Attorneys, like other professionals, should maintain a policy of professional malpractice insurance. Accidents and mistakes do happen, and a wise attorney will recognize this probability (even if very unlikely) and protect himself and you with a sizeable malpractice policy.

3. Have you taken cases like mine to trial or settlement, and if so, how many? An accomplished attorney will have taken several cases like yours to trial and/or settlement. This answer is an indicator of the prospective attorney's experience and skill.

4. About how much of your practice focuses on cases like mine? To attain real expertise, an attorney should focus at least 75% of his time on the subject matter and practice areas involved in your case.

5. Will you be working on my case alone or do you routinely have junior attorneys assist on matters like mine? Junior associate attorneys often perform work on many matters for more senior, accomplished attorneys. You should, however, ask to meet these attorneys in order to evaluate them. The subject matter of your case and the laws governing it might seem foreign and unintelligible but you should not ignore your own personal judgment when it comes to sizing up a prospective attorney and his employees.

6. How quickly do you typically return client phone calls? Some attorneys are notorious for failing to return client phone calls. In fact, this complaint usually tops the list of all client complaints about their lawyers. Your attorney should have a policy whereby he returns client calls within 24 hours, absent unusual circumstances. Be sure to have your attorney put this requirement in your retainer agreement, to ensure compliance.

7. How will you explain to me all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payments of costs? The answer to this question will demonstrate the time and "bed-side" manner of your attorney. These questions are often time consuming even though very important. Your attorney should explain to you, in detail, all of the above subject matter areas thoroughly. By expressing your willingness to be involved in the case you will set the tone that you want to be involved in your case and are willing to learn.

8. Do you have a strategy that you employ for cases similar to mine? Your prospective attorney's answer will demonstrate his organizational skills and whether or not he is familiar with the subject matter implicated in your case.

9. What is the likelihood of a quick settlement or trial? Beware the attorney who promises a quick settlement or trial. However, your attorney should be able to provide a well reasoned estimate of the time necessary to reach disposition of your case.

10. Do I have a case, what do you think my chances are for receiving a successful judgment or settlement? This question should be asked with the understanding that your attorney might inform you that you have no real chance of recovery. Sometimes people are hurt, injured, or suffer injustice and there is no legal remedy. A good attorney will provide you with his strategy for your case which explains your role, the steps he will take, and the likelihood that you will be successful at trial or settlement.

Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.