How to Choose the Right Lawyer in New York: Questions to Ask During Your First Meeting
In this third and final part, we’re focusing on one of the most important steps in the process: what to ask during your initial consultation with a potential attorney.
If you haven’t seen the first two parts of this series, we strongly recommend checking them out. They cover the groundwork you should lay before even scheduling a meeting—things like reading client reviews, speaking with people who’ve used that attorney before, and doing some initial research to make sure the lawyer is a good fit for your specific legal issue.
Before the Consultation: Do Your Homework
By the time you’re sitting down with a lawyer—whether in person, over the phone, or via video—you should already feel reasonably confident that they may be able to help with your case. Now, it’s time to ask key questions to see if this attorney is the right fit to move forward with.
Smart Questions to Ask a New York Lawyer
Here are some important questions you might want to ask during your first meeting:
- What experience do you have with cases like mine?
Ask for specific examples, especially related to New York laws or courts. - What’s the typical outcome of these cases?
Understanding past results can give you an idea of what to expect—though no attorney can promise results. - Do you have experience with the defendant or opposing party?
This could be a business, insurance company, or other party in your case. - What insurance company might be involved, if any?
This can affect how the case unfolds, especially in personal injury or accident-related matters. - How long will my case take?
Ask for a realistic timeline—some cases settle quickly, while others may take months or years. - Is my case likely to settle, or go to trial?
If a trial is expected, find out when and where it might take place—and whether you’ll need to testify. - Have you handled trials before? If so, what were the results?
Trial experience matters, especially in complex or contested cases. - If there’s a settlement, who receives it—and how is it structured?
In some cases, the settlement may go to a family member or be divided in specific ways. - Who will actually be working on my case?
Will it be the attorney you’re speaking with, or will your case be handed off to someone else? - How responsive are you to client questions?
Ask about their communication policy: How long do they typically take to return calls or emails? How are meetings scheduled?
Law Firm Size: What Works Best for You?
Another thing to consider is the size and structure of the law firm. In New York, just like anywhere else, firms come in all shapes and sizes:
- High-volume firms often advertise on buses or TV. They may have large teams, and you might not always speak with the same lawyer throughout your case.
- Boutique or smaller firms tend to take on fewer cases, which allows them to offer more personalized attention. If you hire a lawyer at a small firm, chances are they’ll be the one handling your case from start to finish.
Neither approach is right or wrong—it just depends on what you’re looking for. What matters most is that you make a conscious decision based on your needs, not just a reaction to the first ad you see or the first person you speak with.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a lawyer is a big decision. It’s a partnership, and the relationship should feel right from the beginning. Make sure your expectations are clear and that you feel confident in the attorney’s ability to handle your case.
If you have more questions about choosing a lawyer in New York or want to talk through your specific legal situation, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us today at (518) 308-8339
💬 Or fill out the contact form on this page—we’d be happy to speak with you.